Charterers rush to secure vessels ahead of potential reopening of key oil transit route, driving rates to nine times benchmark levels.
Very large crude carrier (VLCC) earnings have climbed to nearly $470,000 per day as oil importers race to book tankers for Persian Gulf shipments. The surge follows a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran, raising hopes for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil flows.
Rates for the Persian Gulf-to-India route have spiked to nine times the benchmark, with one provisional booking reported at these levels. Prior to recent tensions, VLCC earnings hovered near long-term averages, with no comparable spikes in recent years.
The frenzy reflects concerns over supply disruptions and the strategic importance of the Strait, which handles about one-fifth of global oil trade.