US says more than 1 billion barrels of oil moved through Hormuz under military protection

WASHINGTON, Sept 19:  More than 1 billion barrels of crude oil have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in recent months with support from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), its commander, Adm. Brad Cooper, said Saturday.

Cooper said U.S. forces have provided coordinated protection for more than 2,000 commercial vessel transits through the strategic waterway and that primary shipping lanes have been cleared of mines. He added that the volume of crude oil, cargo and liquefied natural gas moving through the strait over the past two weeks was the highest in six months.

According to Cooper, Iran has exported “zero barrels” of oil during the period, which he attributed to what he called the U.S. “ironclad blockade.” CENTCOM said it is working with Gulf Cooperation Council countries, insurers and shipping companies to further increase commercial traffic through the waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy route, and shipping activity through the waterway has remained affected by the ongoing conflict and security risks. Independent shipping data has indicated that traffic remains below pre-war levels.

U.S. gasoline prices have also remained elevated, with AAA reporting a national average of $4.4687 per gallon on Sept. 18.

Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall has previously argued that U.S. national security considerations must be weighed against higher fuel costs, while also saying Americans are concerned about gas and grocery prices.