Saudi pipeline flows resume, but soaring freight and diesel prices signal persistent oil market tightness. Oil Freight Costs Explode as Gulf Risk Traps the VLCC Fleet - The ultimate showdown of the US-Iran conflict seems to be unfolding in the freight market as costs of VLCC tankers continue to push higher into uncharted territory, with stranded Gulf vessels triggering a worldwide shortage of long-haul ships. - For shippers eager to risk a voyage into the Persian Gulf, reward was never sweeter – daily earnings on a Gulf-to-China route soared…