Crude oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz have recovered to prewar levels at 13.5 million barrels per day, supported by U.S. military escorts, but refined product shipments remain severely constrained at just 677,000 bpd compared to 3.6 million bpd before the war. Iran's own crude exports have collapsed under U.S. Navy blockade, while the global fuel crisis has pushed diesel prices to record highs and prompted President Trump to consider export restrictions.
During the 1967 Six-Day War, Egyptian President Nasser ordered 14 cargo ships transiting the Suez Canal to halt, then blocked both ends of the canal, trapping them in the warzone. The crews remained stranded for years as tensions persisted through subsequent conflicts, with perishable cargo rotting while ship owners maintained the vessels.