U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Sept. 19 that American forces have facilitated the safe transport of more than one billion barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz over recent months. The announcement came as CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper highlighted the critical role of U.S. military efforts in maintaining maritime security in the region.
U.S. forces assisted over 2,000 commercial ship transits through the strait, ensuring the safe passage of oil and gas shipments. Cooper stated that the Strait of Hormuz—historically a key route for one-fifth of the world’s oil—remains clear of mines, despite the ongoing conflict with Iran. He emphasized that Iran has not exported any crude oil during this period, attributing the lack of exports to the U.S. naval blockade.
The volume of crude oil, cargo, and liquid natural gas shipments through the strait over the past two weeks reached its highest level in six months, according to Cooper. He noted that traffic flow continues to increase, with U.S. forces collaborating with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) partners, insurance firms, and shipping companies to further enhance transit volumes.
Energy Market Impact
The increased oil flow through the strait has occurred amid rising fuel prices in the United States. As of Sept. 19, the average price of diesel reached a record high of $6.48 per gallon, while regular gasoline averaged $4.47 per gallon. In California, the average price per gallon was $6.13, significantly higher than the national average. When the conflict with Iran began in late February, the average price of regular gasoline was $2.98 per gallon.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projected in its Sept. 9 Short-Term Energy Outlook that retail gas prices are not expected to decline significantly until 2027. The EIA also forecasted that constraints on traffic through the strait would persist through the fourth quarter of 2026, averaging 5.7 million barrels per day of oil flow.
Military and Geopolitical Context
Cooper underscored the ongoing efforts to stabilize the region, stating that U.S. forces remain laser-focused on maintaining security in collaboration with international partners. The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of global energy supply chains, with its stability directly influencing global oil markets and fuel prices worldwide.