Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Hormuz Attacks Prompt Saudi Tanker Reroute, Premiums Surge

8/4/2026

46 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Saudi Tankers Cross

Two Saudi crude tankers crossed Bab el-Mandeb with AIS off, one bound for India.
Bab el-Mandeb passages fell to 18 on Sunday, down from 27 Saturday.
UKMTO reported three more tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz since Saturday.
War-risk premiums rose to 1 % for Saudi ports and 1-2 % for southern Red Sea routes.
A VLGC from Yanbu needs 47 days via alternative routes, versus 19 days through Bab el-Mandeb.

Summary

Rubio Calls Shift

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News a shift from the Strait of Hormuz is needed.
He said Saudi Arabia’s East-West Petroline and the UAE’s Abu Dhabi pipeline together move 9 million barrels per day, which analysts consider high-value targets vulnerable to drones, missiles and possible Iranian strikes.
ADNOC Logistics bought five VLCCs for $590 million, three VLGCs for $115 million each, and chartered 25 tankers from South Korea’s Sinokor.

History

Historical Context

In July 1987, after UN Resolution 598, the United States began Operation Earnest Will, the largest naval convoy since WWII, to escort re-flagged Kuwaiti tankers through the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran-Iraq tanker war. It protected 35 tankers at a cost of about $1 billion, a precedent echoed today as Saudi VLGCs reroute around Bab el-Mandeb and lawmakers urge pipeline diversification.

1 of 3

Saudi Tankers Cross

Two Saudi crude tankers crossed Bab el-Mandeb with AIS off, one bound for India.
Bab el-Mandeb passages fell to 18 on Sunday, down from 27 Saturday.
UKMTO reported three more tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz since Saturday.
War-risk premiums rose to 1 % for Saudi ports and 1-2 % for southern Red Sea routes.
A VLGC from Yanbu needs 47 days via alternative routes, versus 19 days through Bab el-Mandeb.

1 / 3