Crude oil exports via Hormuz at 33.7 million barrels this week, data shows
USO•Crude oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz reached 33.7 million barrels so far in the week starting September 20, roughly on track with the previous week’s levels. The previous full week saw 49.2 million barrels shipped through the strait.
1. Weekly oil flows
Preliminary ship-tracking data showed 33.7 million barrels of crude oil had flowed out of the Strait of Hormuz so far in the week starting September 20. The traffic comprised 19 tankers, including 17 very large crude carriers capable of carrying 2 million barrels each; most carried crude from Saudi Arabia, followed by Iraq.
2. Vessel traffic
A US official said about 60 commercial vessels of all types transited the strait on Wednesday, carrying the highest daily volume of crude oil since early July. On Thursday, nine commodity vessels transited, down from 14 the previous day; eight exited, and the 10-day average was 18. Some ships transit with their transponders turned off and are not counted.
3. Shipping context
Saudi Aramco has boosted exports through Hormuz after attacks on its East-West Pipeline earlier this month halted shipments from the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Before the Iran war started on February 28, the strait typically handled about 125 large commercial vessels per day and accounted for about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supply.
