Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Gulf Arab Oil Exports Recover as Iran’s Flows Plunge
Gulf Arab countries are sending much more oil to other countries than Iran is.
In September, they shipped about 17 million barrels of oil and refined products each day.
This included oil traveling through Hormuz and oil using pipelines that avoid it.
That amount was the highest since February.
It was also close to the 21 million barrels per day shipped before the war.
Iran is exporting only about 200,000 barrels per day.
That is less than one-tenth of its earlier amount.
Because of this, Iran appears to have less control over Gulf oil exports than before.
Gulf Arab states shipped an average of 17 million barrels per day of crude oil and refined products in September.
The estimate includes shipments through Hormuz and volumes bypassing it through pipelines.
September’s regional exports were the highest since February and approached the pre-war total of 21 million barrels per day.
Kpler estimates Iran is exporting only 200,000 barrels per day.
Iran’s current exports are less than one-tenth of its pre-conflict level, suggesting its influence over Gulf oil flows has weakened.
- Who
- The Gulf’s Arab states, Iran, Kpler, and observers in Washington are involved in the assessment.
- What
- Gulf Arab oil shipments have risen while Iran’s oil exports have fallen sharply.
- When
- The figures cover the average so far in September and compare it with pre-war and pre-conflict levels.
- Where
- The oil originates in the Gulf region, with shipments traveling through Hormuz or bypassing it via pipelines; the assessment is viewed from Washington.
- Why
- The comparison suggests Iran’s ability to control or restrict Gulf oil exports has weakened.
- Regional September exports
- 17 million barrels per day of crude oil and refined products
- Pre-war regional exports
- 21 million barrels per day
- Iran’s current exports
- 200,000 barrels per day
- Iran’s previous exports
- More than ten times its current level
- Data source
- Kpler, a ship-tracking company
- Transport routes counted
- Flows through Hormuz and pipeline shipments bypassing Hormuz
- Regional comparison
- September’s volume was the highest since February