The movement of tankers through the Strait of Hormuz has been a contentious issue since the conflict in the Middle East started more than one month ago, disrupting oil markets
An oil tanker is ablaze after being struck by a projectile off the coast of Dubai.
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Monday, March 30 that an unknown projectile had struck their tanker starboard causing a fire to the vessel. The incident comes after Iran approved a plan to impose tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident near the strait is being investigated and it is currently unclear who carried out the strike.
Vessels, oil tankers in particular, have been the target of strikes near the Strait of Hormuz and caused widespread disruptions in oil markets and at the pumps.
The movement of tankers through the strait has been a contentious issue since the Middle East conflict started more than one month ago.
US-Israeli forces struck several key sites in Iran at the end of February and Iran has retaliated by targeting sites across the Middle East, including vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
About one fifth of all oil traded globally passes through the strait.
UKMTO said that the crew are accounted for and safe and that no environmental impact has been reported.
The strike comes shortly after Iranian Parliament’s Security Commission approved a plan to impose tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.
On Monday, a member of the National Security Commission announced the plan had been given the go-ahead. Among other provisions are named the “safety of naval vessels”, environmental issues and the prohibition from passage of US and Israeli vessels.
The plan also include a toll system and the enforcement of Iran’s sovereign role in the area.
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