Strait Of Hormuz Traffic Hits Highest Level Since War Began Amid Tight Iranian Control

Last Updated:April 04, 2026, 22:48 IST

Iran has increased its control over the passage by introducing a toll system and directing ships to follow a specific route close to its coastline.

While the Strait of Hormuz still remains closed, data shows that the traffic on the passage has started to rise slightly over the past week. It, however, still remains less than the normal traffic levels, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The data shows that the average number of ships passing through the strait over the week reached its highest level ever since the war began. With more than a month of conflict, vessels are now trying to cross the passage, some with no direct links to Iran or China, as countries and companies appear to be negotiating safe passage with Tehran.

According to the vessel tracking data cited by Bloomberg, 13 ships have moved through the waterway, with 10 leaving the Persian Gulf and three entering it since Friday morning. Despite the numbers increasing, the numbers are still low compared to pre-war levels, when around 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passed through the strait daily.

Iran Tightens Grip On Key Route

Iran has increased its control over the passage by introducing a toll system and directing ships to follow a specific route close to its coastline. Recent movements show that all vessels are now using a narrow northern lane between the Iranian islands of Larak and Qeshm.

Some recent crossings included a French container ship and a Japanese-owned LNG tanker, possibly the first of their kind since the conflict began. It is unclear whether these journeys were enabled by diplomatic efforts or private negotiations.

Mix Of Outbound And Inbound Traffic

Among the ships leaving the Persian Gulf were five bulk carriers, one oil-product tanker and four liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers. One LPG vessel was headed to India, while others were linked to Chinese or Iranian interests.

On the inbound side, two LPG carriers and one fuel tanker with Iranian links were recorded entering the Gulf.

(Disclaimer: This story is based on a report by Bloomberg and News18 cannot independently verify the authenticity of story.)

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