Liberian-flagged tanker carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi crude hit by unknown projectiles in Strait of Hormuz as Africa faces fuel pressure

The Saudi-flagged Sidr and Liberian-flagged Senegal Prosperity had each loaded about 2 million barrels of Saudi crude at the Juaymah terminal last week, Reuters reported, citing shipping intelligence and tracking firms Marisks and Kpler.

“The near-simultaneous incidents represent a further escalation in the threat environment within the Omani corridor,” Marisks said.

The Sidr was struck by unknown projectiles about 16.6 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, late on Monday. Minutes later, the Senegal Prosperity was reportedly hit by three projectiles about 17 nautical miles east of Khasab.

All crew aboard were reported safe.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported three projectiles striking a tanker in the same area as it sailed out of the Strait of Hormuz.

The attacks come as Iranian and US blockades continue to restrict energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that handled roughly a fifth of global oil supplies before the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran more than six months ago.

Both sides have sought to assert control over the route, while efforts by Qatar and Oman to broker an agreement to reopen it have so far failed to produce a breakthrough.

Oil prices have also risen as renewed US-Iran fighting revived concerns over Gulf supplies, with Brent crude climbing above $94 a barrel earlier this week after US President Donald Trump threatened further strikes against Iran.

Against that backdrop, Saudi Aramco only resumed oil loadings and sales from inside the strait in August, making the latest attacks another setback for efforts to restore normal Gulf energy flows.

The disruption is already reshaping fuel trade into Africa, where many economies remain dependent on imported petroleum products and shipping routes linked to the Gulf.

Middle Eastern diesel exports to Africa fell to their lowest level in nearly nine years in August, while shipments from Asia climbed to a four-and-a-half-year high as traders moved to replace lost Gulf supplies, according to shipping data cited in the report.

About half of Africa’s diesel imports came from the Middle East last year, with Saudi Arabia alone accounting for roughly 40%.

Asian diesel shipments to Africa rose to between 1.8 million and 2 million tonnes in August, while Middle Eastern supplies fell to between 600,000 and 800,000 tonnes.

The Liberian flag on Senegal Prosperity also gives the latest incident a direct African maritime link, although the vessel itself was carrying Saudi crude.

More broadly, prolonged disruption through Hormuz could raise freight, insurance and fuel costs for African importers, particularly countries reliant on Middle Eastern refined products.

Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian media also reported that a Saudi oil tanker had been stopped while transiting through the southern corridor of the strait, adding to uncertainty over shipping conditions.