London: Shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz has come under further pressure following reported attacks on four commercial vessels, raising concerns over potential disruptions to global oil and gas supplies and higher energy prices.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), three commercial vessels came under projectile attacks in the Strait of Hormuz on September 29. The vessels included a crude oil tanker, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier and another commercial ship.
UKMTO said another LNG-loaded tanker was targeted by a projectile on September 28, with details of the incident becoming public on September 30.
The British maritime authority reported that an unidentified projectile struck the port side of the crude oil tanker. No casualties have been reported so far, while the full extent of any damage remains unclear.
Investigations into the incidents are continuing, while the attacks have added to concerns over the safety of commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy transit route, and prolonged disruption to shipping could affect international oil and gas supplies and place upward pressure on energy prices.