**Qatar warns of ‘industrial catastrophe’ as Strait of Hormuz traffic hits four-month low**
**DOHA** — Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has issued a warning regarding the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the global economy faces an “industrial catastrophe” if the current disruption to maritime traffic persists.
Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told U.S. media outlets that ensuring the reopening and security of the Strait of Hormuz remains a top priority for the international community.
The warning follows a significant decline in maritime activity through the strategic waterway. According to data from the commodity analytics firm Kpler, an average of 10 commodity ships have transited the Strait of Hormuz daily over the past 10 days. This figure represents the lowest level of traffic recorded since May.
The reduction in shipping activity follows a series of strikes on tankers involving U.S. and Iranian forces. As a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of international concern as the crisis continues to impact regional stability and global trade routes.
Article and image source: aljazeera.com
