Key facts
- US Energy Secretary Chris Wright claims Middle East oil exports have rebounded to 15 million bpd, with Sunday traffic exceeding pre-war averages.
- Vessel-tracking data and commodity analysts report significantly lower oil flows out of the Strait of Hormuz, estimating around 9 million bpd for the entire Middle East region.
- Kpler data indicates that vessel traffic at the Strait of Hormuz continues to decline.
- The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) stated that traffic at Hormuz remains 'severely constrained'.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has asserted that Middle East oil exports have rebounded to 15 million barrels per day, even surpassing pre-war averages on a recent Sunday. However, this claim is met with skepticism from vessel-tracking services and commodity analysts, who report significantly lower flows. Data compiled by Reuters indicates that most vessel-tracking companies estimate only about 9 million bpd leaving the region via all export channels this month, creating a gap of 3 million to 5 million bpd compared to the Secretary's figures. Kpler, a data provider, noted that vessel traffic at the Strait of Hormuz continues to decline. Wright has defended his department's data, suggesting private businesses may undercount covert ship movements, while the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has stated that traffic at Hormuz remains 'severely constrained'.