Gas
Hormuz LNG traffic reaches highest level since Iran conflict
Liquefied natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz increased in October, though export recovery remains uneven across the Persian Gulf.
Key points
- October LNG tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz reached its highest level since February 2026.
- Qatar's Ras Laffan terminal drove much of the increase despite operating under ongoing force majeure.
- Security concerns persist in the region following reported incidents affecting commercial maritime transit.
What happened
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments through the Strait of Hormuz reached their highest monthly volume in October since the onset of the US-Iran conflict in February 2026, according to vessel-tracking data cited by Reuters and Beinsure. S&P Global Energy reported that 31 loaded LNG carriers exited the strategic waterway last month, up from 23 in September, while Kpler tracking indicated combined loadings rose from 27 to 42 cargoes.
Qatar accounted for the majority of the increase, with its Ras Laffan terminal recording 35 cargo loadings exceeding 2.7 million tonnes. This output remains well below pre-war levels, where February exports approached 6.2 million tonnes. QatarEnergy continues to face operational challenges following conflict-related damage that removed a significant portion of its export capacity and prompted a force majeure declaration. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has fully restored its shipments, with Das Island recording seven cargo loadings in October, matching September figures, according to Kpler data reported by OilPrice.com.
Supply adaptations
To manage ongoing logistical constraints, some Qatari shipments underwent ship-to-ship transfers after clearing the Strait of Hormuz. Kpler identified transfers near Oman's Sohar anchorage involving vessels such as the SC Prestige and Al Mafyar, with cargoes subsequently routed to South Korea and Pakistan. Concurrently, regional security risks continue to affect maritime operations. Beinsure noted that recent reports of incidents involving commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf maintain pressure on marine war-risk insurance and shipping safety.
Why it matters
The gradual resumption of LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz carries critical implications for international energy security and global gas markets. With Henry Hub gas spot prices standing at 2.63 US$ per MMBtu as of November 2026, according to US EIA figures provided by CEII, international buyers face tightening winter supplies and potential price volatility. For energy investors and policymakers, the partial recovery in Middle Eastern supply highlights the fragility of major maritime energy corridors and underscores the strategic value of diversifying global supply sources against geopolitical shocks.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
- ReutersHormuz LNG traffic hits highest in October since Iran war began
- Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.comLNG Traffic Through Hormuz Hits Highest Level Since Iran War Began
- BeinsureStrait of Hormuz LNG traffic reaches highest level since Iran war began
- gasworldLNG traffic through Hormuz reaches highest level since conflict began
Context from CEII
Gas is the flexible backbone of many grids and the designated transition fuel in many national plans, from LNG trade to domestic LPG and CNG. Supply security and pricing drive both power reliability and emissions.
79.2% of electricity in Iran came from gas in 2024Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
