Iranian forces have effectively slowed shipping through the strait to a trickle during the Middle East war, which began on February 28. “An agreement has been reached to allow Thai oil tankers to transit safely through the Strait of Hormuz,” Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told a news conference, adding that the development would alleviate concerns over fuel imports. “With this agreement in place, there is greater confidence that disruptions like those seen in  March will not recur,” he added. More than 80 percent of the crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) that passes through the Strait of Hormuz heads to Asia, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Much of Southeast Asia is bearing the brunt of fuel supply difficulties, with Thailand initially capping diesel prices before they rose this week by 6 baht ($0.18) per litre. Anutin apologised for the public disruption caused by fuel price measures, adding that it was hoped “the conflict might be short-lived”. “The government will continue to adapt to evolving situations and adjust measures to minimise the impact on the public,” Anutin said.A Thai bulk carrier travelling through the waterway was attacked this month, and three of its crew members went missing. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said at the same news conference that “Iran has very recently indicated that it has located the vessel, but cannot confirm the condition of the three crew members”. Commodities shipments through the Strait of Hormuz plunged by 95 percent between March 1 and 26 following the start of the war, according to the maritime tracking platform Kpler. (Bssnews)