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West Asia Oil Exports Rebound Despite Rising Tanker Attacks

West Asia sent more crude oil abroad in September than it did on average before the war.

On September 30, exports reached 18.3 million barrels a day.

Saudi Arabia helped raise shipments, and Iraq also sent more oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

But ships in the region faced growing danger.

At least seven vessel incidents were reported in one week.

Two tankers were reportedly hit, though their crews were safe and nobody was reported hurt.

The strait is an important route for oil and natural gas around the world.

If it were blocked for a long time, energy supplies and markets could be affected.

Key facts

September 30 export rate: 18.3 million barrels per day on a seven-day moving average, according to provisional Kpler data.
Pre-war average: About 18 million barrels per day in the 12 months before the war began on February 28.
Days above pre-war levels: Exports exceeded pre-war levels on 14 days during September.
Reported vessel incidents: Marisks said at least seven incidents involving vessels were reported in the past week.
Reported tanker strikes: The Kazimah III was reportedly hit on October 1 and the Lipsi on October 4; both crews were reported safe, with no casualties.
Strait of Hormuz significance: The chokepoint handles roughly 20% of global crude oil and LNG supplies.
Pre-war daily traffic: Around 125 large commercial vessels typically passed through the Strait of Hormuz each day before the war.

firstpost.com · 1 hr ago