Several dozen oil tankers are taking refuge in the Persian Gulf and waiting for the situation in the Strait of Hormuz to become clear.

After an attack near the Hormuz Strait almost severed this critical shipping lane, dozens of oil tankers are seeking refuge in the Persian Gulf. This situation has disrupted regional logistics, slowed exports, and poses a threat to short-term oil production. According to data from the vessel tracking firm Kpler, at least 40 very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf. Each VLCC carries approximately 2 million barrels of oil. Several ship owners and captains have stated that they are waiting for the situation to become clear before attempting to pass through the strait. Several major shipping companies have also advised vessels to anchor in place and avoid passage. "In light of recent developments, transport efficiency is likely to further decline as we expect ship owners to adopt a 'wait-and-see' strategy," analysts Fredrik Dybwad and Sigurd Gjone Gabrielsen of Fearnley Securities wrote in a report.