Iran Exports LPG and Jet Fuel Despite US Blockade
Iran has exported small amounts of LPG and jet fuel to Asia while a US naval blockade halted its crude oil exports.
The Government of Iran has exported small quantities of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and jet fuel to Asia despite a US naval blockade that has effectively halted its crude oil exports. Iranian crude exports fell to zero in September, marking the first such occurrence since 2013.
Since mid-July, at least eight tankers carrying LPG departed the Gulf of Oman, with most traveling to Malaysia for ship-to-ship transfers destined for China. Additionally, one tanker carrying jet fuel reached Myanmar in September. Analysts suggest Iran is bypassing restrictions by concealing cargoes among transfers from other Middle East producers off the coast of Oman.
United States Central Command reports that US forces disabled four commercial vessels and turned around 135 ships during the three-month blockade. While the US military describes the operation as ironclad, maritime intelligence and advocacy groups have identified these specific leaks in the blockade.
