[Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz for Weeks, No LNG Shipments Departed So Far, Industry Sources Say] According to a report by Jinse Finance on April 7, citing traders involved in related shipping activities, Iran has not allowed any liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of conflict several weeks ago. This ban could exacerbate the global supply shortage. On Monday, two tankers loaded with Qatari LNG appeared to be preparing to leave the Persian Gulf, but they turned back hours later. Traders stated that these two ships were not granted passage by Iranian officials. This sudden reversal highlights the apparent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since late February, when the U.S. and Israel began airstrikes on Iran. Since then, vessel traffic through the strait has significantly decreased, although tankers and other ships have sporadically passed through, typically requiring Iranian authorization—meanwhile, about one-fifth of the world's LNG supply remains cut off. According to informed sources, fully loaded LNG carriers are currently scattered across the Persian Gulf, either because they have not yet entered negotiations with Iran regarding passage or have not received approval. Ship tracking data shows that more than a dozen fully loaded LNG carriers are stranded in the region. It is also possible that some ships have avoided detection by turning off their transponders or that tracking inaccuracies have occurred due to signal interference. However, both traders and ship tracking data indicate that earlier this month, only one LNG carrier passed through the Strait of Hormuz—and it was not carrying any cargo.