Muscat: Oman expects disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to be temporary, offering a cautiously optimistic assessment of one of the world’s most important energy routes.

Energy Minister Salim Al Aufi said on Monday that the disruption was probably a short term situation and that conditions should stabilise in the medium term, according to Reuters.

Large volumes of oil and liquefied natural gas pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making any disruption significant for energy markets and countries dependent on imports.

Al Aufi’s assessment suggests Oman expects maritime disruption to ease rather than become a prolonged interruption to regional shipping.

The comments come amid wider tensions in the Middle East that have raised concerns over the safety and reliability of commercial shipping through the waterway.

For energy importing countries, the duration of any disruption matters almost as much as its immediate impact. A short interruption can be absorbed through inventories and alternative arrangements, while a prolonged disruption could put greater pressure on supplies, shipping costs and energy prices.

Oman’s expectation of stabilisation therefore offers some reassurance, but the Strait of Hormuz remains closely watched as regional tensions continue.