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Supertanker Traffic Ticks Up as Hormuz Remains Constrained

Supertanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz have increased modestly in recent days, providing marginal relief to global oil markets. These markets are reeling from the worst supply disruption on record. The uptick comes as diplomatic efforts to restore normal energy flows show limited progress, with the U.S. awaiting Iran's response to a proposed agreement that would reopen the critical chokepoint. President Trump's recent talks with Chinese leadership failed to yield meaningful commitments on increasing Hormuz shipments, intensifying concerns over prolonged supply constraints. China has instructed major banks to pause new lending to recently sanctioned refiners, signaling uncertainty over when flows will normalize. Meanwhile, the UAE is accelerating development of a second pipeline to bypass the strait entirely, reflecting growing skepticism that traditional routes will restore capacity soon.