Kuwait has declared force majeure on shipments of crude oil and refined products, citing a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz that has blocked some vessels from entering the Persian Gulf and disrupted its ability to meet customer commitments. State-run Kuwait Petroleum Corp. informed clients on Friday of the decision to invoke a contract clause allowing it to withhold scheduled deliveries.
The move signals continued supply chain pressures in one of the world’s most critical oil-producing regions. While the declaration does not imply a complete halt in supply, it underscores the immediate impact of geopolitical tensions on global energy markets.
Kuwait’s decision affects both crude and refined product shipments, though the exact volume impacted remains unclear. The country, a key OPEC producer, exported an average of 1.9 million barrels per day of crude in 2025, according to recent market data, making any disruption a potential driver of price spikes. Buyers in Asia and Europe, who rely heavily on Gulf supplies, could face delays or seek alternative sources if the blockade persists.
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Tensions in the region have intensified in early 2026, with ongoing disputes involving Iran and Western powers contributing to the current standoff at Hormuz. The blockade adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile market, where Brent crude futures have hovered near $95 per barrel amid fears of broader supply interruptions.
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