Middle East Oil Exports Top Pre-War Levels at More Than 24 Million Barrels a Day, Kpler Data Shows

Middle Eastern oil exports, including shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and via alternative routes, averaged more than 24 million barrels per day in the week ending 18 October, according to the analytics firm Kpler. That is above the pre-war level of 23.3 million barrels per day.

The figure shows that overall regional supply has found ways around the disruption, even as the strait itself remains restricted. The data covers exporters across the region together, and does not include Iran's own crude, which US officials say the blockade has halted.

Even so, prices stay high. Brent closed at $115.32 on 28 October. Market analysts point to the risk premium from the possibility of renewed US strikes on Iran, attacks on regional energy sites, and the continuing restrictions in the strait itself.

Earlier reporting during the blockade noted that daily traffic through the strait was still well below pre-war levels, so the Kpler total should be read together with route changes rather than as proof that Hormuz has reopened.