By Elsie Kamsiyochi

In a significant sign of easing tensions in global energy markets, several supertankers have successfully transited the , marking what appears to be the first movement of oil shipments out of the Gulf since the recent U.S.–Iran ceasefire and the start of renewed diplomatic talks.

Shipping data revealed that three Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) — each capable of transporting up to 2 million barrels of oil — passed through the critical waterway on Saturday. This development comes after weeks of disruption caused by Iran’s blockade of the strait, which began during the escalation of conflict in late February. The blockade had effectively choked off a vital artery for global energy supplies, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows.

The vessels — including the Liberia-flagged Serifos and two China-linked tankers — navigated through a designated passage designed to bypass sensitive مناطق near Iran’s Larak Island. Their movement is being closely watched by traders and governments alike, as it may signal the beginning of a gradual normalization of oil shipments from the Gulf.

The Serifos, loaded with crude from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates earlier in March, is now en route to Malaysia, with an expected arrival later this month. Meanwhile, the other two tankers are carrying oil from Iraq and Saudi Arabia, underscoring the multinational nature of Gulf energy exports.

Both of the China-bound vessels are reportedly chartered by Unipec, the trading arm of , highlighting China’s continued reliance on Middle Eastern crude supplies. The company has not yet commented publicly on the shipments.

The timing of these transits is particularly notable, coinciding with the launch of sensitive diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran. While the ceasefire has created an opening for dialogue, uncertainty remains high, and markets are wary of any renewed disruptions.

For weeks, the blockade had sent shockwaves through global oil markets, pushing prices sharply higher and raising concerns about supply shortages. Analysts say the resumption of tanker traffic, even on a limited scale, could help stabilize prices and restore some confidence — though much depends on the durability of the ceasefire and the progress of ongoing talks.

In the broader context, the situation underscores just how critical the remains to the global economy. Any threat to its accessibility has immediate and far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from fuel prices to geopolitical stability.

As negotiations continue, the world will be watching closely to see whether this tentative return of oil flows marks the beginning of a sustained recovery — or merely a brief pause in a still-fragile crisis.

Source Reuters