Cargo vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz fell to only five ships a day over the weekend, according to shipping data published Monday. Operators remain cautious about using the strategically important route amid continuing fears of attacks. Reuters data showed that only five cargo ships crossed the strait on August 25.

The figure marked a sharp decline from an average of 15 ships per day during the preceding 10 days. The situation has worsened amid US-Iran tensions and threats of attacks on commercial vessels. Shipping companies have adopted a more cautious stance to reduce risks as recent attacks and tensions continue.

The actual number of transits may be higher because some vessels have switched off their Automatic Identification System, or AIS, to avoid attacks, leaving their movements absent from public shipping data. Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy transport route, could significantly affect oil and gas supplies and increase fuel prices and market volatility worldwide.