Middle East crude oil exports exceed pre-war levels but tanker attacks increase
Middle East crude oil exports have surpassed pre-war levels despite ongoing tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping data indicates that export volumes remain high even as security risks for commercial vessels increase.
Why it matters
The resilience of oil supply chains despite regional conflict is critical for global energy market stability and pricing.
A drone view shows vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, October 2, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer By Florence Tan
SINGAPORE, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Crude oil exports from the Middle East rose above pre-war levels in four of the seven days of the final week of September, shipping data showed on Monday, despite attacks on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Crude exports from the region exceeded pre-war levels on September 24 and between September 27 and 29, rising to between 19.5 million barrels per day and 22.5 million bpd, provisional data from ship-tracking firm Kpler showed.
Exports averaged 18 million bpd between March 2025 and February this year before the US-Israeli war with Iran began.
Also covering this story
9 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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