# Hormuz Traffic Slows as VLCC Rates Stay Near Record Highs

By John Kim

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/business/24030
Published: 2026-09-25T07:46:23.000Z
Updated: 2026-09-25T07:46:23.000Z

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed as tanker costs remained near record highs, increasing pressure on a key energy route with potential implications for global markets.

Twelve vessels crossed the strait on Sept. 22, including eight inbound and four outbound. All four outbound vessels used the northern corridor.

The Middle East Gulf-to-China VLCC time-charter-equivalent rate stood at $1.26 million per day on Sept. 22, 1% below its record high. Gulf VLCC charters exceeded $1 million per day during the week of Sept. 22.

Six tankers entered the Arabian Sea on Sept. 21 carrying 9.76 million barrels. Five were loaded through ship-to-ship transfers off Fujairah, moving 7.71 million barrels.

The waterway links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and serves as a major route for regional energy shipments. Reduced vessel movements and elevated freight costs are adding to disruption across the energy market.