US Energy Secretary Claims Significant Oil Transit Through Strait of Hormuz Amidst Conflicting Reports

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright alleged that the American military aided in the transit of more than 15 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Wright credited the U.S. Navy for maintaining the flow of oil, stating, “Thanks to the U.S. Navy, oil is flowing through the Strait of Hormuz.” He further added that when pipeline transfers are included, the total oil leaving the region approaches approximately 20 million barrels.

Wright’s assertions come as the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported a reduction in shipping traffic to and from the Persian Gulf, reaching four percent of pre-conflict levels. This maritime authority identified the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz, passing through Oman, as the most perilous, with 74 incidents reported from the beginning of the current year until August 6. The UK Maritime Trade Operations acknowledged that vessels are increasingly opting for the northern route within the Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing attacks and security concerns.

Conversely, the latest data from Kpler, a company specializing in vessel tracking, indicates a significant decline in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. According to this data, only seven vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz last Thursday. Politico previously reported that the Trump administration claimed the Strait of Hormuz remained open for trade with oil tanker traffic in progress, but market trackers presented a less optimistic outlook.