Middle East crude exports surpass pre-war levels despite tanker attacks

Crude oil exports from the Middle East have surged past pre-war levels in late September, according to data from shipping intelligence firm Kpler. Reuters reported that exports reached between 19.5 million and 22.5 million barrels per day on four of the seven days from September 24 to 29. This marks a significant increase from the average of 18 million barrels per day recorded before the US-Israeli conflict with Iran began.

The seven-day average of crude oil exports stood at 18.5 million barrels per day as of October 1. The data includes shipments through key waterways like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, as well as exports from oil terminals and ship-to-ship transfers in the Gulf of Oman.

Despite the rise in exports, the region has seen an uptick in attacks on oil tankers. Reports indicate seven attacks in the Strait of Hormuz last week alone. Additionally, a British maritime trade organization noted at least one attack daily in either the Strait of Hormuz or the Gulf of Aden since October 2.