New report of attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz

Maritime authorities received reports of an attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on September 13, raising fresh concerns regarding the security of global energy supplies. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that a projectile struck a ship as it transited the waterway. Following the impact, a fire broke out on board, leading local authorities to evacuate the crew.

This incident follows a separate security development involving Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline. On September 12, Saudi officials announced the temporary closure of the 1,200-kilometer pipeline as a precautionary measure following a drone attack. Both Riyadh and Baghdad indicated that the drones originated from Iraq, a region where Iranian-backed militias are known to operate. No group has claimed responsibility for the strike on the pipeline.

The East-West pipeline has served as a critical conduit for global oil supplies over the past six months, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz has faced significant operational disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The pipeline has been transporting between 4 million and 5 million barrels of oil per day, representing approximately 4 to 5 percent of the global supply.

The recent series of attacks has contributed to heightened volatility in energy markets. The cost of Brent crude surged back above US$100 per barrel during the week, as market participants weighed the potential for further supply constraints.

The combination of the pipeline closure and the reported attack in the Strait of Hormuz has intensified fears regarding the stability of energy exports from the region. As the conflict continues to widen, the security of these vital maritime and terrestrial transit routes remains a primary concern for international energy markets.