Persian Gulf Oil Exports Reach Roughly Pre-War Levels as Hormuz Attacks and Disputes Continue

Oil exports from the Persian Gulf have returned to or above pre-war levels, according to Kpler tracking data released Wednesday. Kpler put flows at 24.5 million barrels per day in the week ending October 18, against a pre-war average of 24.4 million in one report and 23.3 million in another. Totals include alternative routes such as the Red Sea but exclude Iranian exports. About 14 million bpd, roughly 82% of pre-war flow, moved through the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. At least 30 ships were attacked in October, about a dozen last week, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre. Iran's Revolutionary Guard says the Strait is closed; U.S. Central Command says it is open.

Alternative outlet MarketWatch says October flows nearly matched pre-war levels, but traders see a fragile recovery and prices may not fall soon. Left-leaning outlets had not reported the story at the time of writing; alternative and right-leaning outlets had, focusing on export volumes versus pre-war levels. Breitbart stresses Iranian attacks, about 20 Strait transits in ten days and the Guard–CENTCOM dispute; the New York Post stresses attack counts, high freight rates and an economist's view that shipping has adapted.