Qatari LNG Tankers U-Turn at Hormuz, Signaling Iran's Blockade Remains Firm

The failed attempt by two Qatari LNG tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz reveals that any rumored deal to reopen the waterway is extremely limited, and a general blockade on LNG remains in effect.

Iran is managing the strait via a selective 'toll booth' system controlled by the IRGC, where passage requires special permission and payments, maintaining its strategic leverage over global energy flows.

The combination of the physical blockade and long-term damage to Qatar's export facilities creates a dual shock to LNG supply, keeping global energy prices high and volatile.

Recent reports of a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz were put to the test, and the results show the global energy crisis is far from over.

The key event was two Qatari LNG tankers attempting to pass through the strait, only to turn back. This action speaks louder than any rumored agreement. The only confirmed deal is a very limited one Iran made with Pakistan for a small number of its ships. This means for the rest of the world, especially for crucial Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) shipments, the strait remains effectively closed.

So, how is Iran managing this? It has established what is essentially a maritime toll booth. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) controls a "safe corridor" near Larak Island. To pass, ships need permission and must pay a fee, reportedly around $2 million, sometimes in non-dollar currencies like yuan or crypto. This system allows Iran to selectively control traffic, maintaining its strategic leverage while still generating revenue.

This blockade compounds an already serious problem for the global LNG market. The conflict has already caused significant damage to Qatar's Ras Laffan export facility, taking about 17% of its capacity offline for years. This creates a double shock: first, a long-term reduction in the physical supply of LNG, and second, a logistical bottleneck preventing what's left from reaching global markets.

The financial consequences are clear. Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude trading above $110 a barrel. On top of that, war-risk insurance for a single LNG carrier to pass through Hormuz can cost as much as $7.5 million. This cost is passed on to consumers, keeping energy prices high and fueling inflation concerns worldwide.

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas): Natural gas that has been cooled down to liquid form for ease and safety of non-pressurized storage or transport.
Strait of Hormuz: A narrow strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, it is a critical chokepoint for global oil and LNG supplies.
IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps): A branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, founded after the Iranian Revolution, which operates a toll-like regime in the strait.

Qatari LNG Tankers U-Turn at Hormuz, Signaling Iran's Blockade Remains Firm

The combination of the physical blockade and long-term damage to Qatar's export facilities creates a dual shock to LNG supply, keeping global energy prices high and volatile.

Recent reports of a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz were put to the test, and the results show the global energy crisis is far from over.

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas): Natural gas that has been cooled down to liquid form for ease and safety of non-pressurized storage or transport.
Strait of Hormuz: A narrow strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, it is a critical chokepoint for global oil and LNG supplies.
IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps): A branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, founded after the Iranian Revolution, which operates a toll-like regime in the strait.