Independent analysts dispute these figures, estimating that current traffic averages roughly 13.2M bpd, which remains below the 21M bpd pre-war level. An AIS-based reporting service further challenged a previous CENTCOM claim of 1 billion barrels over 60 days, asserting the actual volume was closer to 600 million barrels. This volatility comes as Iran targeted more than a dozen ships over the last week, prompting CENTCOM to provide escorts for thousands of civilian vessels.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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US Blocks Iranian Oil Exports as Partner Shipping Hits 1.25B Barrels
Commodities11 days ago
Commercial tankers are increasingly returning to the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. naval forces remove sea mines from primary shipping lanes. During a virtual briefing with shipping industry leaders on Thursday, Admiral Brad Cooper reported that momentum for freedom of navigation is building despite a recent surge in Iranian attacks on vessels. U.S. Central Command stated that its forces have facilitated the shipment of more than 1.25 billion barrels of crude oil for Gulf partners in recent months, while Iran has exported zero barrels due to a naval blockade of its ports.
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