The tender sought a supertanker for Kuwaiti crude, a Suezmax for Saudi Arabian oil, and a very large gas carrier for LPG shipments from Qatar, the UAE, or Kuwait. These liftings were originally scheduled for late June, but the industry’s refusal to participate highlights a deep-seated apprehension regarding transit security. While outbound traffic has recovered since the strait reopened late last week, inbound voyages remain a bridge too far for most operators.

Ship brokers report a widespread "wait-and-watch" strategy, with owners demanding concrete safety guarantees before committing to the passage. This hesitation underscores the fragility of regional supply chains; for now, India’s primary energy import routes remain effectively paralyzed by the lingering fear that the situation could deteriorate without warning.