BloombergOpen original source
Jul 21, 2026, 3:52 PM UTC Alex Longley
IndustriesEnergyA crew member uses binoculars on the bridge of an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf.Photographer: Ali Mohammadi/BloombergGift this articleContact us:Provide news feedback or report an errorConfidential tip?Send a tip to our reportersSite feedback:Take our SurveyBy Alex Longley, Prejula Prem, and Julian LeeJuly 21, 2026 at 3:52 PM UTCSaveSome ships have begun to alter their sailing routes in the Red Sea and another vessel was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, as two of the oil market’s key release valves during the Iran war come under mounting pressure.
On Tuesday, a handful of oil tankers appeared to pause their journeys as they approached Yemeni waters heading into the Red Sea, while other ships laden with Saudi oil u-turned and sailed north towards the Suez Canal, after the Houthi rebel group sent an email to shipowners warning against calling at Saudi Arabia’s ports.
Still, other tankers continued to sail toward the area, according to vessel tracking data, and a number of buyers in Asia said earlier in the day they were still hoping to load cargoes there.