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Challenges Persist Even If Strait of Hormuz Reopens for Shipping

KVIA•Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 9:00 AM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is facing significant obstacles, and even if it fully reopens, it may not resolve ongoing shipping issues and high oil prices. Experts indicate that a fragile ceasefire in the region has deterred shipping lines from entering the Gulf, with only 10 or fewer oil tankers currently making the journey daily, down from over 100. Approximately 400 loaded oil tankers are waiting to exit, while there are virtually no empty tankers ready to enter. This situation is expected to prolong shortages and elevated prices for oil and essential goods for several months, with a potential return to normalcy not anticipated until July. The production of critical goods such as crude oil and fertilizer will remain stalled until shipping conditions improve.

Key Details: • Current oil tanker traffic reduced to 10 or fewer per day. • Around 400 loaded oil tankers are stuck in the Gulf. • No empty tankers are currently waiting to enter the Gulf. • 30% of global fertilizer supply is affected by shipping delays. • Normal shipping operations may not resume until July.

shipping oil-prices strait-of-hormuz global-trade fertilizer

People & Organizations

Persian GulfStrait of HormuzMatt SmithKplerLale AkonereToroPeter TirschwellS&P Global Market Intelligence

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