Strait of Hormuz Oil & Shipping Intelligence 2026

Taftan border (~49km from Reko Diq) is experiencing a massive influx of returning Pakistanis fleeing the escalating US-Iran war, straining local resources and border security (Dawn). In Chagai (~49km from the mine), authorities eradicated a 200-acre opium plantation, highlighting illicit agricultural activity near the mine site (Source: dailyindependent.com.pk -- original via Google News). Meanwhile, Pakistan is actively inviting Swedish mining firms to explore investments beyond Reko Diq to boost the sector at the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (X Intelligence). Primary supply routes are severely compromised by insurgent activity and economic fallout. BLA insurgents have established illegal checkpoints on the CPEC route in Khuzdar (~427km from Reko Diq), killing three alleged intelligence agents (X Intelligence), while a suicide bomber struck a police convoy in the Bolan Pass (~474km from Reko Diq), killing nine officers (X Intelligence). Consequently, the N-25 and M-8 highways are rated NO_GO, further exacerbated by a nationwide fuel crisis causing extreme congestion. The Chaman border crossing (~436km from Reko Diq) remains NO_GO amid intense cross-border military clashes with Afghan forces. Nationally, the geopolitical fallout from the US-Israel-Iran war has triggered a severe economic shock, prompting the government to hike fuel prices by PKR 55 per liter, close schools, and implement a four-day work week to conserve energy (Dawn). [Full analysis available for customers]

The US-Israel war against Iran enters Day 11. On March 10, global oil prices exceeded $103 per barrel for Azerbaijani crude Report.az. Fitch Ratings stated the conflict could boost Azerbaijan's energy revenues APA. Expected overcrowding at the Astara border occurred. Evacuations rose to 2,097 foreign nationals by March 10 Report.az. Freight movement across the Iran border resumed on March 9 Trend. Expected constitutional changes materialized. On March 10, President Aliyev approved amendments to the Nakhchivan Constitution Report.az. The changes remove references to the Moscow and Kars agreements APA. Expected further IRGC proxy attacks did not materialize after the March 7 disruption. [Full analysis available for customers]