Oil Exports Near Prewar Levels Despite Iranian Restrictions

Oil exports have recovered to levels close to those recorded before the war involving Iran, despite Iranian restrictions and reports that oil tankers were targeted during the fighting.

The rebound points to a recovery in export flows even as restrictions remain a constraint. It does not, however, establish that shipments have fully returned to their prewar level.

Reports of tankers being targeted have added to concerns over the movement of oil during the conflict. Those reports alone do not establish the extent of any disruption to exports.

The available information does not specify export volumes, the timing of the recovery or the factors behind it. While flows are approaching their earlier levels, the basis and durability of that recovery remain unclear.