Middle East Crude Shipments Rise to 12.8 Million Barrels Daily in September
Middle East oil exports increased to 12.8 million barrels per day in September, the highest level since the US-Israeli war with Iran began in February, according to Kpler. Saudi Arabia and the UAE raised shipments as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz recovered, though regional exports remain about 6 million bpd below February’s 18.8 million bpd. Saudi Arabia is on track to export about 5.4 million bpd this month, up from 2.446 million bpd in August.
September's regional total of 12.8 million barrels per day marked the strongest showing since hostilities involving the US, Israel and Iran began in February. Saudi Arabia and the UAE drove the increase as Hormuz traffic improved; Saudi flows were expected near 5.4 million bpd, recovering from 2.446 million bpd in August.
Ras Tanura loadings climbed to roughly 3.6 million bpd from 929,000 bpd a month earlier, though they remained below February's 6.411 million bpd. The region still trailed February's 18.8 million bpd by about 6 million bpd. Kpler counted 19 VLCCs leaving Hormuz last week, each carrying 2 million barrels, while vessels with disabled transponders were excluded.
The partial rebound may ease some pressure on global energy markets, though exports remain well below February levels. Lower supply could keep fuel and transport costs elevated, affecting households, businesses and shipping crews. Because Hormuz normally carries a large share of world crude and LNG, renewed disruption there could ripple through import-dependent economies and regional producers alike. The recovery's durability may depend on pipeline repairs, port operations and vessel traffic.