Gulf oil flows hit 13.1m barrels daily despite Strait of Hormuz tensions

Gulf oil producers are maintaining high crude export volumes through the Strait of Hormuz despite escalating geopolitical tensions, leveraging US-backed logistical workarounds to bypass Iranian pressure. Daily flows through the strategic waterway reached 13.1 million barrels per day (bpd) last week, according to data from marine-tracking firm Kpler. This figure represents nearly 80% of the 17.1 million bpd average recorded before the current regional conflict began. Workarounds and Military Escorts The recovery in transit volumes follows a series of tactical adjustments by regional producers and the US military. Exporters are utilizing military-escorted tanker shuttles and \"dark\" transits—where vessels disable their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)—to move cargo. According to Matt Smith, director of commodity research at Kpler, the high volume suggests that Iran is losing its influence over the waterway, even as it attempts to deter shipping through more frequent tanker attacks. Saudi Arabia has also shifted significant volumes back toward Hormuz following disruptions to its East-West Pipeline, known as Petroline. While Petroline previously carried up to 6 million bpd to Red Sea facilities, recent technical disruptions and Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping have forced a tactical return to the Strait. Current throughput at Petroline is estimated between 2.0 and 2.65 million bpd, with Kpler forecasting a rise to 4 million bpd in the near term. Inventory Drawdowns and…