Reuters reports that Middle Eastern crude exports rebounded sharply in September, reaching about 16.3 million barrels per day, the highest level since the US-Israeli war with Iran began in February. The recovery was driven largely by increased shipments from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with Saudi exports rising to about 5.4 million barrels per day, up from 2.45 million in August.
Oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz also recovered, with about 9.7 million barrels per day expected to pass through the waterway in September. However, regional exports remained around 3.2 million barrels per day below prewar levels, meaning the recovery is still incomplete.
The data also showed 19 very large crude carriers carrying Saudi oil exited the Strait of Hormuz in one week. Reuters noted that the figures may not capture vessels that turned off their tracking systems, making the actual volume of oil moving through the region uncertain.
