LNG Tanker Traffic Through Strait of Hormuz Hits Highest Level Since February

LNG tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has reached its highest level since the start of the war

In October, 31 tankers loaded with liquefied natural gas (LNG) passed through the Strait of Hormuz – the highest monthly figure since the start of the US-Iran conflict in February 2026.

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In September, there were 23 such vessels, according to data from S&P Global Energy cited by Reuters.

The increase in shipping traffic indicates a partial recovery in LNG supplies from the Persian Gulf. However, exports from Qatar, one of the world’s largest suppliers of this fuel, remain significantly below pre-war levels.

Of the 31 tankers that passed through the Strait of Hormuz in October, 23 were loaded at the Ras Laffan export complex in Qatar, whilst a further eight were loaded at the Das Island terminal in the United Arab Emirates.

According to data from the Kpler vessel tracking system, 42 LNG shipments were loaded in October, compared with 27 in September. Ras Laffan accounted for 35 shipments totalling over 2.7 million tonnes – the highest figure since the start of the conflict. By way of comparison, in February, LNG exports from Qatar totalled nearly 6.2 million tonnes.

Thus, the increase in the number of shipments does not yet signify a return of Qatari exports to their previous volumes.

“We are seeing UAE transit return to pre-war levels, whilst Qatar has recovered to more than 30 per cent of its pre-war transit through the Strait of Hormuz,” Reuters quotes Eric Yep, chief analyst at S&P Global Energy, as saying.

Some cargoes are being transhipped to other vessels

Data from Kpler also shows that some shipments from Qatar, after passing through the strait, were transhipped from one vessel to another at the Sohar anchorage off the coast of Oman. After transhipment, the LNG tankers set sail for South Korea, Pakistan and other countries.

The Strait of Hormuz remains the most important route for energy supplies from the Middle East. Therefore, trends in gas carrier movements are significant for LNG buyers, international traders and countries dependent on gas imports.

The October figures indicate some improvement in the supply situation, but do not confirm a full recovery in exports from the region.

This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.

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