Baghdad: Tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz have reached their lowest level in over two months, with just one tanker making the passage on Thursday. This comes as geopolitical tensions in the region continue to pose risks to shipping lanes and as oil prices climb past the $100 mark per barrel.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, analytics firm Kpler reported that only one tanker, the supertanker New Giant, transited the strait on July 23. This is a significant drop from the three tankers that made the crossing the previous day. The New Giant, laden with two million barrels of Basra crude, is en route to the Chinese port of Rizhao, with an expected arrival by mid-August.

On the same day, no new ships entered the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting the heightened caution among shipping companies. The situation comes on the heels of the US military's announcement of its thirteenth consecutive night of strikes targeting Iran, signaling ongoing regional tensions that continue to impact maritime activities.

In contrast, Kpler's data shows an increase in the number of cargo ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. A total of 32 ships passed through on Thursday, compared to 26 the day before. Of these, 14 tankers are headed towards the Red Sea, while 18 are exiting the strait towards the Gulf of Aden. Among the exiting vessels are nine tankers transporting crude oil, including two Chinese supertankers destined for China.