Middle East crude oil exports exceed pre-war levels but tanker attacks increase
USO•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. At least seven vessel incidents were reported, including an attack on a Kuwaiti crude carrier on October 1.
1. Exports rise above baseline
Middle East crude exports exceeded pre-war levels on September 24 and from September 27 to 29, reaching between 19.5 million and 22.5 million barrels per day, provisional Kpler data showed. Exports averaged 18 million bpd between March 2025 and February 2026, before the war with Iran began, while the seven-day moving average was 18.5 million bpd on October 1.
2. Tankers face attacks
At least seven incidents involving vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz were reported, shipping intelligence firm Marisks said. The very large crude carrier Kazimah III was reportedly struck by an unknown projectile on October 1, causing a fire; its crew were reported safe and evacuated. Marisks said recent incidents may involve Iranian forces launching missiles into a predetermined engagement area, rather than deliberately targeting individual merchant vessels.
