HOUSTON — About half of the oil and fuel shipments disrupted by the war with Iran are moving again through the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, offering a measure of relief to global energy markets and supply chains.

Speaking on Friday, June 12, at the Bloomberg Energy Security Executive Briefing in Houston, Wright said approximately 7 million barrels per day of oil and fuel are once again flowing through the strategic waterway, representing roughly half of the volume that had been stranded when the conflict began.

He also made clear that the United States intends to restore full access to the route regardless of whether Iran cooperates.

For consumers, businesses, and investors, the Strait of Hormuz remains the most important energy chokepoint in the world.

The narrow passage carries nearly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, making it one of the most critical arteries of the global economy.

When traffic slows or stops, the effects quickly spread beyond energy markets.

Fuel prices rise.

Shipping costs increase.

Manufacturers face higher expenses.

Consumers ultimately pay more for everything from gasoline to groceries.

Traffic through the strait had been severely disrupted since fighting erupted between the United States and Iran at the end of February.

The conflict sent oil prices sharply higher, unsettled financial markets, and created significant uncertainty across global supply chains.

A fragile truce took hold this week after President Donald Trump pushed both sides to halt direct military attacks, allowing shipping activity to begin recovering.

Wright first signaled improvement earlier this week during an energy conference in Washington, where he said vessel traffic was increasing “very meaningfully” compared with recent weeks.

Even so, he cautioned that restoring normal operations would take time.

Many shipping companies rerouted vessels during the conflict, while supply chains adjusted to avoid the region altogether.

Returning those networks to normal will likely take months.

According to Wright, the challenge extends beyond simply reopening the waterway.

Shipping companies, crews, insurers, and energy traders must regain confidence that the route is secure before traffic fully returns to pre-war levels.

Some vessels have continued moving through the strait under extraordinary circumstances.

Reports indicate the U.S. Navy has assisted dozens of commercial vessels through the passage during the crisis.

Other ships reportedly crossed at night with communications and tracking systems turned off to reduce perceived security risks.

Financial markets have responded positively to signs of progress.

Earlier this week, after Wright reported improving traffic conditions, U.S. crude oil prices fell approximately 3.4% to around $88 per barrel, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, dropped to its lowest level in seven weeks.

Lower crude prices generally translate into lower gasoline and diesel prices, although those savings often take time to reach consumers.

The recovery remains fragile.

Iranian officials have repeatedly suggested the strait could remain restricted, and the broader conflict has not been formally resolved.

As long as the possibility of renewed fighting exists, shipping companies are likely to face elevated insurance costs and security concerns.

Those additional expenses ultimately flow through the global economy.

The economic stakes are enormous.

Energy costs influence nearly every industry, from manufacturing and transportation to agriculture and retail.

A prolonged disruption at Hormuz acts as a hidden tax on economic growth, raising operating costs for businesses and reducing purchasing power for consumers.

The faster shipping returns to normal, the faster that pressure can ease.

For now, the administration appears committed to maintaining both diplomatic and military pressure to keep the route open.

Wright’s message in Houston was clear: the United States intends to restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and is prepared to secure the route if necessary.

The key number remains 7 million barrels per day.

That represents meaningful progress but still falls well short of pre-war traffic levels.

Every additional tanker that moves through the strait helps ease pressure on energy markets.

Every new escalation risks sending those gains back into reverse.

JBizNews Desk — Energy

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