---
title: Middle East crude exports were approaching pre-war levels.
description: "Then the attacks resumed.\n\nCombined exports from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Iran, Qatar and Oman tell the story:\n\n▪️ Jan–Feb: 18.9 million barrels/day\n▪️ May trough: 6.5 million — down 66%\n▪️ September: 14.7 million\n▪️ October so far: 17.3 million — 91% of pre-war levels\n\nThe recovery relied on ingenuity: Saudi pipelines diverted crude to the Red Sea, while shuttle tankers carried barrels through Hormuz to supertankers waiting outside.\n\nBut the cumulative damage remains enormous: 1.7 billion fewer barrels exported between March and September than at the pre-war pace.\n\nAnd October’s rebound is fragile.\n\n⚠️ The figures cover only the first two weeks. Six ships were hit around Hormuz on 11 October. More than 10 empty supertankers have turned back near Fujairah.\n\nExport routes can adapt. A sustained recovery still requires security.\n\nSource: Jack Prandelli on X, Gulf News"
---

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# [Middle East crude exports were approaching pre-war levels.](https://blog.syzgroup.com/syz-the-moment/middle-east-crude-exports-were-approaching-pre-war-levels)

 Written by [Charles-Henry Monchau, CFA, CMT, CAIA](https://blog.syzgroup.com/syz-the-moment/author/charles-henry-monchau) | Oct 15, 2026, 3:44:19 PM

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