#Routes

Mercuria Lawyers Say Government Deals Got Oil Through Hormuz

Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. moved oil through the Strait of Hormuz via government-brokered deals, according to legal filings revealing how commodity traders navigate the waterway during the Iran war. The company's lawyers stated approximately 20-24 VLCC transits occurred from 1 March 2026 to 19 May 2026, either through illegal toll payments or pre-cleared government-to-government arrangements. Mercuria argues the artificially high TD3C index rate is causing it "hundreds of millions" of dollars in losses, with rates soaring to $600,000 daily compared to typical $40,000-$100,000 rates.