Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Middle East Oil Exports Rebound Despite Strait of Hormuz Attacks
Ships carried more crude oil out of the Middle East than before the war on several days in late September.
The average was also above the pre-war average on October 1.
Other oil-related shipments were included in a separate total that averaged 22.4 million barrels a day.
More liquefied natural gas cargoes passed through the Strait of Hormuz in September than in any month since February.
At the same time, ships in and near the strait have faced attacks.
One reported attack set fire to the tanker Kazimah III, but its crew members were safe and evacuated.
A shipping intelligence firm warned that ships could face danger simply by being in an area where weapons are being used.
The data does not include ships that may have crossed with their tracking signals switched off.
Middle East crude exports exceeded pre-war levels on four days in the final week of September, reaching 19.5 million to 22.5 million barrels per day.
The seven-day average for crude exports was 18.5 million barrels per day on October 1, according to Kpler data.
Overall shipments of crude, oil products, chemicals and non-gas liquids averaged 22.4 million barrels per day in the seven days to September 30.
At least seven vessel attack incidents were reported in and around the Strait of Hormuz, including a reported October 1 strike that caused a fire on the Kazimah III.
Marisks said vessels face a heightened, unpredictable threat and that some incidents may involve weapons engaging radar signatures in a designated area rather than deliberate targeting of specific ships.
- Who
- Middle East oil exporters and commercial vessels, including the tanker Kazimah III.
- What
- Crude oil exports rose above pre-war levels on four days in late September despite reported attacks on vessels.
- When
- The final week of September, with export data reported through October 1; the article also reports attacks since October 2.
- Where
- The Middle East, including the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters.
- Why
- The article reports that exports increased but does not state why; shipping intelligence warned that vessels face an unpredictable threat from attacks.
- Pre-war crude export average
- 18 million barrels per day from March 2025 through February of this year.
- Late-September peak range
- 19.5 million to 22.5 million barrels per day on September 24 and September 27–29.
- Crude export moving average
- 18.5 million barrels per day on October 1.
- All listed liquid shipments
- 22.4 million barrels per day on average in the seven days to September 30.
- Reported vessel incidents
- Marisks reported at least seven incidents in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
- Kazimah III
- Reportedly struck by an unknown projectile on October 1, causing a fire; all crew members were reported safe and evacuated.
- Strait traffic before the war
- Typically about 125 large commercial vessels per day, carrying roughly 20% of the world's daily crude oil and LNG supply.