LNG tankers flee Hormuz amid Iran tensions. At least 13 empty liquefied natural gas vessels have diverted away from the Strait of Hormuz following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, disrupting global energy supplies. Qatar, the world's largest LNG supplier after the US, relies entirely on this chokepoint to export to Asian and European markets. A prolonged transit halt could spike spot Asian LNG prices by 130 percent to $25 per million British thermal units, according to Goldman Sachs analysis. Shipowners face mounting insurance costs as risk premiums surge, with some halting operations entirely due to safety concerns. Energy analysts warn the situation remains unpredictable, describing current conditions as uncharted territory for the shipping industry and energy markets worldwide.
