Trump Claims Strait of Hormuz Oil Flow, Analysts Scribble in Confusion

KEY POINTS

•President Trump claimed on September 1 via Truth Social that 18 million barrels per day flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
•Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC on September 2 that about 17 million barrels moved Monday, but averages are lower.
•Analysts say tanker tracking is complicated as many ships turn off transponders, delaying accurate oil flow data for weeks.

In a power play worthy of reality TV, President Trump proudly announced via Truth Social on September 1, 2026, that 'Hormuz Volumes are BACK' with a whopping 18 million barrels per day flowing through the Strait. But Energy Secretary Chris Wright, giving CNBC a more cautious vibe on September 2, said only about 17 million barrels flowed Monday, though the multi-day rolling average is closer to a modest 8 to 12 million barrels. Meanwhile, tanker trackers are scratching their heads because many ships turned off their AIS to play stealth mode, turning oil count into an espionage thriller. Analyst Bob McNally says the true number will surface in weeks, right as fall election hype hits max pitch. So while the Trump orbit claims victory, private sector tracker Vortexa reports a humble 8 million barrels average; tanker-specialist Rohit Rathod confirms the 28-day trending limbo — proving that in wartime oil counting, artful dodging beats GPS any day.