Iran Resumes Crude Loading at Kharg Island Terminal After 25-Day Shutdown

The Kharg Island oil terminal in Iran has resumed crude loading after a 25-day shutdown, marking a partial recovery for the country's critical oil infrastructure. The terminal restarted on August 12, with a very large crude carrier (VLCC) berthing at the Azarpad jetty and loading approximately 2 million barrels of oil.

The restart is significant as Kharg Island handles roughly 90 percent of Iran's crude oil exports. The single tanker loading represents a fraction of normal throughput, but it demonstrates that despite the blockade's severity, Iran retains the ability to move crude through Kharg Island when storage conditions permit and alternative routes absorb excess supply.

Iran has been relying on alternative maritime routes since the US naval blockade halted operations in mid-July. The country has developed workarounds that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, including increased Russia-to-Iran wet-cargo shipments and tanker activity at North Larak anchorage. Analysts note that Iran's oil production appears roughly aligned with domestic refinery consumption, suggesting the country may not urgently need to export maximum volumes at present.