Archive · 5 Oct 2026
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.
West Asia crude exports reached 18.3 million barrels per day on September 30, above the pre-war average of about 18 million.
Shipments exceeded pre-war levels on 14 days in September, according to provisional Kpler data.
Saudi Arabia drove much of the increase, while Iraq boosted shipments after obtaining Iranian permission for tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping intelligence service Marisks reported at least seven vessel incidents in the past week, including reported strikes on two tankers.
The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, making prolonged disruption a risk to energy markets.
- Who
- West Asian oil exporters, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and commercial vessel operators.
- What
- Crude exports returned above pre-war levels in September as reported attacks on shipping increased.
- When
- September; tanker incidents were reported in the week before the article's publication, including strikes on October 1 and October 4.
- Where
- West Asia, including the Strait of Hormuz and other regional export routes.
- Why
- Saudi Arabia increased shipments, and Iraq expanded exports after securing Iranian permission for tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
- 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.