Gulf Oil Exports Top Prewar Levels Despite Iran Attacks
21st October 2026
Persian Gulf oil exports have surpassed prewar levels as a makeshift shipping network operating under U.S. protection helps tankers navigate escalating Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, according to new reports.
Middle East oil shipments through Hormuz and alternative routes averaged more than 24 million barrels a day during the week ending Oct. 18, exceeding the prewar average of 23.3 million, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing ship-tracking firm Kpler.
Preliminary figures put flows through Hormuz, including offshore transfers in the Gulf of Oman, at about 14 million barrels a day, or 82% of prewar levels.