Two supertankers transporting Saudi crude were reportedly struck by unidentified projectiles within minutes of each other while sailing out of the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh concerns over the security of the major oil route and its potential impact on African fuel supplies.
The Saudi-flagged Sidr and Liberian-flagged Senegal Prosperity had each loaded about two million barrels of Saudi crude at the Juaymah terminal last week, according to Reuters, which cited shipping intelligence and tracking firms Marisks and Kpler.
Marisks described the incidents as a significant escalation in the security situation along the Omani corridor.
“The near-simultaneous incidents represent a further escalation in the threat environment within the Omani corridor,” Marisks said.
The Sidr was reportedly hit by unidentified projectiles late on Monday, about 16.6 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman.
A few minutes later, the Senegal Prosperity was said to have been struck by three projectiles approximately 17 nautical miles east of Khasab.
All crew members aboard the two vessels were reported to be safe.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported that three projectiles had struck a tanker travelling through the same area as it exited the Strait of Hormuz.
US-Iran Tensions Raise Shipping Concerns
The incidents come amid continuing tensions between Iran and the United States, with blockades affecting energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway previously carried approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies before the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran more than six months ago.
Iran and the US have both sought to exert control over the route, while diplomatic efforts led by Qatar and Oman to secure an agreement that would allow normal traffic through the strait have yet to achieve a breakthrough.
The uncertainty has also pushed oil prices higher. Brent crude rose above $94 per barrel earlier this week after US President Donald Trump threatened additional strikes against Iran.
Saudi Aramco only resumed oil loadings and sales from within the strait in August, meaning the latest incidents could further complicate efforts to restore regular Gulf energy shipments.
African Fuel Supplies At Risk
The disruption is also having wider implications for Africa, where several countries depend heavily on imported petroleum products and shipping routes connected to the Middle East.
Middle Eastern diesel exports to Africa fell to their lowest level in almost nine years in August, while supplies from Asia increased sharply as traders sought alternatives to disrupted Gulf shipments.
About half of Africa’s diesel imports originated from the Middle East last year, with Saudi Arabia accounting for approximately 40% of those supplies.
Asian diesel deliveries to Africa climbed to between 1.8 million and two million tonnes in August, while shipments from the Middle East dropped to between 600,000 and 800,000 tonnes.
The Liberian registration of the Senegal Prosperity also gives the latest incident a direct connection to Africa’s maritime sector, although the vessel was carrying Saudi crude.
A prolonged disruption along the Strait of Hormuz could further increase shipping, insurance and fuel costs for African importers, particularly countries that rely significantly on refined petroleum products from the Middle East.
Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian media reported that a Saudi oil tanker had also been stopped while travelling through the southern corridor of the strait, adding to concerns about the safety and reliability of the crucial shipping route.
