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CommoditiesMediumUpdated×3•Originally published 20 April 2026•Updated 22 April 2026•

1 min read

Kuwait Declares Force Majeure on Oil Exports Amid Rising Strait of Hormuz Tensions

Infographic of oil tankers and the Strait of Hormuz map with text showing a 9% oil price increase to 104.

Key Facts

1Kuwait Petroleum Corporation declared force majeure on shipments of crude oil and refined products.

about 1 month ago

Version History

Version 3about 1 month ago

What changed: Added details regarding Iran's formal complaint to the UN accusing the U.S. of continuing internationally wrongful acts.

Version 2about 1 month ago

What changed: Updated to include the successful breach of the U.S. naval blockade by an Iranian VLCC after delivering 2 million barrels of oil to Indonesia.

Version 1about 1 month ago

What changed: Updated to include Iran's refusal of new talks, the linking of shipping lanes to oil sanctions, the U.S. delegation's visit to Pakistan, and Houthi threats against the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) maintains its force majeure status as geopolitical tensions intensify following Iran's refusal to negotiate amid a U.S. naval blockade. In a significant escalation, Iran’s UN ambassador has filed a formal accusation against Washington, charging the U.S. with continuing internationally wrongful acts and violating ceasefire terms. This diplomatic move follows a breach of the blockade by an Iranian VLCC, which returned to Kharg Island after delivering 2 million barrels of crude to Indonesia via ship-to-ship transfer. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Islamabad for emergency talks as regional risks expand with Houthi threats against the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. These developments highlight a direct challenge to maritime enforcement and the continued fragility of global oil supply chains. Markets remain on high alert as the standoff shifts from maritime maneuvers to formal international legal disputes.