Asia Crude Imports Remain Below Pre-War Levels Despite September Peak

Despite reaching its highest level since the Iran war started in February, Asia's crude imports remain below pre-war levels. In September, Asia imported 23.96 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, up from 23.38 million bpd in August and the most since February.

This is according to data compiled by commodity analysts Kpler. However, even with this recent recovery, Asia's crude imports are still 13% below pre-conflict levels.

The world's biggest oil-consuming region has been trending higher since hitting its lowest point in over 10 years in April, when arrivals of just 19.15 million bpd were recorded by Kpler.

Despite the efforts of the US Navy to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and the risks being taken by oil companies, shippers, and traders to transit the strait, not much has changed since the start of the conflict in February.