ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan bound oil tanker carrying crude has successfully navigated the tense waters of the Strait of Hormuz and is now sailing toward the country, offering a crucial boost to Pakistan’s energy supply chain amid escalating regional tensions.

According to ship tracking data cited by Bloomberg, the Pakistan flagged Aframax tanker Karachi cleared the strategic waterway on Sunday and was seen by Monday morning near the Omani port city of Sohar. The vessel is operated by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and had recently loaded crude oil from the United Arab Emirates.

The development comes as the Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of geopolitical tensions following attacks targeting commercial vessels in the region. The narrow maritime corridor handles nearly one fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any disruption a major concern for energy markets worldwide.

Reports indicate the tanker navigated around Iran’s Larak Island before continuing eastbound close to the Iranian coastline and eventually exiting the strait on Sunday evening. The successful passage highlights the challenges shipping companies face as tensions in the Middle East threaten vital maritime routes.

Authorities from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and the country’s petroleum ministry did not immediately comment on the voyage. However, maritime monitoring suggests the vessel is continuing its journey toward Pakistani ports with its cargo of crude oil.

Earlier, officials confirmed that Pakistan had secured alternative fuel supply routes after rising geopolitical tensions disrupted traditional shipping lanes. The Port Qasim Authority also reported that port operations were continuing smoothly, ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies to domestic markets despite the regional crisis affecting major oil transit corridors.