Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco) has warned that ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside threats to shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, could have lasting effects on global oil markets, according to ShippingWatch.
According to ShippingWatch, Aramco CEO Amin Nasser stated that the company remains concerned about the long-term impact these disruptions could have on the global economy as 2026 progresses. Nasser’s comments point to a broader concern that instability in these key maritime chokepoints extends well beyond the immediate movement of crude cargoes.
Rebuilding Inventories Could Take Time
ShippingWatch reports that rebuilding oil inventories is expected to take as long as 18 months once the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz settles. This suggests that even after security conditions stabilize in the region, the ripple effects on global oil supply chains would not be resolved quickly.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait similarly serves as a vital corridor for shipping traffic. Both waterways have faced repeated security concerns in recent years, and Aramco’s latest remarks, as reported by ShippingWatch, underscore the company’s view that these are not short-term issues.
Does this matter to you?
Disruptions to chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait can affect vessel routing, insurance costs, and fuel availability across the maritime supply chain. According to Aramco’s comments as reported by ShippingWatch, the consequences of such disruptions may extend into inventory rebuilding timelines lasting well over a year, which could influence oil price stability and supply planning over an extended period.
For those monitoring bunker fuel markets, vessel transit planning, or broader energy trade flows, sustained instability in these waterways may have knock-on effects on crude and refined product availability. However, ShippingWatch’s report does not provide further detail on specific operational impacts, so the full scope of consequences for shipping and bunkering activity remains unclear based on the available information.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: ShippingWatch
