Middle East Oil Exports Hit Highest Level Since February
Middle East crude oil exports rose to 12.8 million barrels per day in September, driven by increased shipments from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Crude oil exports from key Middle East producers rebounded in September to 12.8 million barrels per day, marking the highest volume since conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran began in February. Data from Kpler indicates the surge was primarily driven by increased shipments from the Government of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Saudi Arabia is on track to ship approximately 5.4 million barrels per day this month, a sharp increase from the 2.446 million barrels per day recorded in August. This recovery follows a strategic shift in Saudi logistics; the kingdom diverted oil exports to the Gulf after attacks damaged its East-West pipeline, forcing a move away from the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
Despite the September recovery, regional exports remain significantly lower than pre-conflict levels. Current volumes are approximately 6 million barrels per day below the 18.8 million barrels per day recorded in February.
