Hormuz crude tanker transit halted — zero crude voyages in 24 hours; Indian LNG tankers anchored

Shipping data and sources compiled on Day 21 (March 20) confirm there have been no voyages by crude oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours — a de facto halt to crude transit through the world's most critical oil chokepoint. The Strait normally carries approximately 21 million barrels per day (roughly 20% of global oil consumption). Two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers are currently anchored in Gulf waters, according to data from Kpler, and are reportedly preparing to attempt Hormuz transit in the coming days — potentially serving as a test of Iranian enforcement of its shipping threats. One empty crude oil tanker — subject to US sanctions — was tracked returning through the strait toward Iranian waters on March 18. The 24-hour crude void follows Iranian threats to target Gulf shipping and US-Israel strikes on Iranian naval assets throughout the war. Energy Secretary Wright said removing sanctions on stranded Iranian oil tankers could get supply to Asian ports within 3-4 days — signaling Washington's awareness that the Hormuz halt is creating severe supply disruption. Fed Governor Waller separately cited the 'prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz' as the reason he changed his stance on rate cuts. The Strait of Hormuz is 33-39km wide at its narrowest point. Iran has previously mined the strait (1980s) and has Silkworm/Noor anti-ship missile batteries on its northern coast. CENTCOM has been providing escort to some commercial shipping, but the 24-hour crude halt suggests commercial operators are not yet willing to risk Iranian interdiction without guaranteed escort.