Gulf crude exports return to pre-war levels, excluding Iran

Middle East crude exports have returned to pre-war levels despite escalating attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Regional oil shipments exceeded 19.5 million barrels per day on four days in late September, with a seven-day moving average of 18.5 million barrels per day, according to provisional Kpler data. The surge comes as attacks on vessels accelerate to their fastest pace since conflict with Iran erupted February 28.