An average of approximately 8.6 million barrels of oil pass daily through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a recent update from maritime analytics firm Kpler. This figure aligns closely with estimates provided earlier this month by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who stated that around 9 million barrels are transported through the strategic waterway each day.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Prior to the outbreak of the Iran war, daily oil transit through the strait reached about 20 million barrels.

Earlier this year, several media reports highlighted discrepancies between U.S. government figures and those from independent tracking groups, which initially estimated that roughly 5 million barrels were moving through the strait daily. Kpler's updated assessment takes into account previously untracked "dark transits," where vessels switch off their automatic identification systems to avoid detection, as well as covert ship-to-ship oil transfers.

These adjustments have resulted in a significant upward revision of the oil flow estimates. Analysts note that incorporating these less visible activities provides a more comprehensive picture of the volume of oil passing through the strait, despite ongoing regional tensions and the impact of sanctions.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point for geopolitical and economic concerns, given its pivotal role in global energy markets and its location near several countries involved in ongoing conflicts. The updated oil transit data underscores the continued importance of monitoring maritime movements in this sensitive area.