{
  "id": 15937756,
  "title": "Gulf exports more oil than it did before Iran war despite surge in Hormuz attacks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/gulf-exports-more-oil-than-it-did-before-iran-war-despite-surge-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T19:02:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Middle East Eye",
    "slug": "middle-east-eye",
    "url": "https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/gulf-exports-more-oil-it-did-iran-war-despite-surge-hormuz-attacks"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Gulf region is exporting more oil now than it was before the US-Israeli conflict with Iran began on February 28, 2026, despite an increase in attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. According to data from energy analytics firm Kpler, Gulf countries shipped an average of 24.6 million barrels per day (bpd) in the week ending October 18, surpassing the prewar average of 23.3 million bpd. This surge in exports is happening as Iran continues to launch attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with at least 12 attacks occurring in the past week, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations. In response, Gulf states are utilizing ship-to-ship transfers, where smaller vessels load crude in the Gulf and deliver it to large cargo ships waiting outside the Strait. This workaround has mitigated some of the impact of Iran's actions, though exports through the Strait of Hormuz remain about a third lower than before the war. Saudi Arabia has also been exporting more oil through the Red Sea, but exports through the Strait of Hormuz still account for more than a third of the Gulf's total.",
  "summary": "Gulf exports more oil than it did before Iran war despite surge in Hormuz attacks Submitted by Sean Mathews on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 18:49 Ship to ship transfers and transits through the Red Sea are frustrating Iran's attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz Vessels are seen in the Strait of Hormuz, from Musandam, Oman, on 19 October 2026 (Stringer/Reuters) Off The Middle East is now exporting more…",
  "key_points": [
    "Gulf exports 24.6 million bpd in week ending October 18, exceeding prewar average.",
    "Iran launched at least 12 attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz past week.",
    "Gulf states use ship-to-ship transfers to mitigate impact of Iran's actions."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/15937756.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Gulf oil flows surpass pre-war levels despite Iranian attacks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/gulf-oil-flows-surpass-pre-war-levels-despite-iranian-attacks",
        "published": "2026-10-21T08:28:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "title": "Gulf exports more oil than it did before Iran war despite surge in Hormuz attacks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/gulf-exports-more-oil-than-it-did-before-iran-war-despite-surge-in-15944953",
        "published": "2026-10-21T19:52:33.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MarketWatch",
        "title": "Oil is now flowing out of the Persian Gulf like before the Iran war. Why prices may still not come down anytime soon.",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/oil-is-now-flowing-out-of-the-persian-gulf-like-before-the-iran-war",
        "published": "2026-10-21T21:14:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}