Middle East crude oil exports hit 12.8 million barrels per day in September, the highest since the Iran war began

Middle East crude oil exports rose to 12.8 million barrels per day in September, the highest level since the Iran war began in February, according to preliminary data from analytics firm Kpler. The increase follows a partial restoration of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with exports via the key waterway estimated at 7.4 million barrels per day. For comparison, Norway's oil production is around 2 million barrels per day. Despite the rise, exports remain significantly below the 18.8 million barrels per day recorded in February, before the US and Israel launched their war against Iran, a difference of 6 million barrels daily.