Will shipping in the strait of Hormuz – and oil prices – return to normal?

Analysts say doubts over stability of the ceasefire and damage to production sites mean the energy crisis is far from over If the US-Israeli ceasefire with Iran holds, it could offer the clearest hope of an end to the energy crisis since Iran’s Revolutionary Guards assumed control of the strait of Hormuz after the conflict began 40 days ago. The deal is already looking shaky, with Iran arguing late on Wednesday that Israel’s attacks on Lebanon breach it and state media claiming that the key waterway had again been closed. Even if the temporary detente between White House and Tehran manages to hold and hundreds of tankers stranded in the Gulf start to transit once more, analysts fear that will not be enough to return the flow of oil, gas, chemicals and other vital items to pre-crisis levels. An estimated 2,000 vessels – with about 20,000 seafarers onboard – have been trapped in the Gulf since the outbreak of the conflict, according to the UN. They include oil and gas tankers, bulk carriers and cargo ships as well as six tourist cruise liners. Unable to pass through the strait to continue their journeys, most have remained anchored for almost six weeks, in some cases with dwi