Shipping Stress Index — September 2026: 37.8

The Shipping Stress Index started September at its lowest point of 27. Tension was pushed up as Russia killed eight people in Ukraine and attacked two vessels in the Black Sea. Further pressure came from oil prices surging after Trump rejected Iran's plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, alongside ongoing conflict around Yemen and Iran shifting its trade north to the Caspian Sea. Some calming signals appeared as Iran offered de-escalation and an Iranian minister stated that only negotiation can end the conflict. Stress eventually reached a peak of 47 on September 22, and the index finished the month with an average score of 37.8.

Peak 47 on 2026-09-22 · low 27 on 2026-09-01 · locked record · ← August · Shipping Stress Index timeline · October → · World Tension, same month

• Russia kills eight people in Ukraine, attacks two vessels in Black Sea Al Jazeera · 2026-09-19
• Iran shifts trade north to Caspian Sea as war impairs Strait of Hormuz Al Jazeera · 2026-09-27
• Oil prices surge after Trump rejects Iran’s plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz Al Jazeera · 2026-09-28
• US military claims Strait of Hormuz remains open amid ongoing blockade Al Jazeera · 2026-09-17
• Iranian minister says only negotiation can end conflict after Trump rejects Hormuz deal BBC World · 2026-09-27
• Saudi Arabia allies line up support as Houthi attacks mount Al Jazeera · 2026-09-25
• Hormuz and Yemen: Iran offers de-escalation at a price others will pay Al Jazeera · 2026-09-29
• Deadly attack on Indian cargo ship off coast of Oman Al Jazeera · 2026-09-24

• Iranian minister says only negotiation can end conflict after Trump rejects Hormuz deal
• Hormuz and Yemen: Iran offers de-escalation at a price others will pay
• Iran offers US deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz in seven days
• Healthcare in Africa ‘under growing strain’ after US withdrawal from aid programs, report warns