In the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis, now in its fourth week since Iran's March blockade, US President Donald Trump has ordered the Navy to impose a counter-blockade after peace talks collapsed in Islamabad, Pakistan. Global oil prices hit $103 per barrel, raising fuel shortage alarms in Kenya ahead of a key price review.
US President Donald Trump announced the move Monday via social media, noting progress in Islamabad on most issues but failure on Iran's nuclear program. "The meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, nuclear, was not. Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of blockading any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz," he wrote.
The US Navy plans to intercept passing vessels, clear Iranian mines from the waterway, and target ships paying transit tolls to Iran in international waters—escalating the standoff that has already disrupted Mideast energy exports and spiked prices.
Brent crude surpassed $103 per barrel, with Asian markets opening lower on supply fears.
Locally, Kenya faces heightened risks ahead of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority's fuel price review on April 14. Shortages are reported in Nairobi and Machakos from distribution delays, terminal congestion, panic buying, and alleged marketer hoarding.
