Middle East Crude Exports Surge to Pre-Conflict Levels

The Middle East's crude oil exports have rebounded to their highest level since the Iran conflict began in February. According to data from Kpler, exports reached 12.8 million barrels per day (bpd) in September, a significant increase from previous months.

The recovery was driven by increased volumes from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which leveraged their spare production capacity and diversified export infrastructure to maximize throughput via eastern Gulf ports.

Strait of Hormuz traffic recovered to approximately 7.4 million bpd, with international shipping insurers recalibrating risk assessments and freight rates stabilizing after months of heightened security concerns.