India, Oct. 8 -- Vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted to a two-month low following a record spike in maritime attacks. Data from analytics firm Kpler shows that only seven commodity vessels passed through the strait on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, marking the lowest daily volume recorded since July 23. The severe decline in shipping traffic interrupts a brief recovery in regional exports and has pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel.

Key Drivers and Drop in Traffic

Surge in Maritime Attacks: Ship strikes hit their highest weekly level since the conflict began in late February. Security firms recorded at least 12 attacks on oil, LNG, and LPG tankers in the week leading up to October 5 alone.

Recent Casualties: ...