Furthermore, U.S. sanctions on Iran are boosting large crude oil tankers
Last week was relatively quiet for the tanker market, partly due to the Easter holidays and the four-day break. Despite this pause, the crude segment remains strong. Modern Suezmax tankers equipped with scrubbers have averaged around $65,000 per day, marking the highest level so far in 2025. Aframax rates have followed suit, averaging in the low $50,000s per day.
Part of this strength, especially in the large crude tanker segment, is attributed to the new U.S. sanctions, which are reducing available tonnage. As highlighted by the Greek consultancy Novisea:
"This tightening of the freight market has been caused by a combination of pre-holiday cargo demand and speculative activities related to the renewal of U.S. sanctions on Iranian crude exports."
The LPG market recovers after a recent decline
In the LPG market, VLGC rates have rebounded as anticipated. Following a significant drop in previous weeks due to trade tensions between the United States and China, the benchmark Houston–Chiba route has now returned to nearly $40,000 per day. However, uncertainty remains. The current suspension of tariffs is only temporary, with measures set to resume in July unless a change occurs.
Source: Fearnleys and Clarksons