Iran boosts oil exports to 1.5m bpd despite ongoing war

2026-03-26 - 19:40

Iran has successfully raised its oil exports to approximately 1.5 million barrels per day, marking a significant increase despite active hostilities involving the United States and Israel. According to reports, daily sales volumes climbed roughly 50 percent during the month of Ramadan, with Tehran securing prices closer to global benchmarks and substantially boosting its energy revenues. The achievement underscores Iran’s ability to sustain and even expand its crude shipments amid one of the most volatile periods for regional energy infrastructure in recent years. Strait of Hormuz restrictions reshape market dynamics The surge in Iranian exports coincides with heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 million barrels of oil transit daily. Tehran’s decision to restrict navigation in this critical waterway has driven up shipping and insurance costs, contributing to elevated crude prices and adding to inflationary pressures across global markets. Industry analysts note that the constraints have created a competitive advantage for Iranian shipments, allowing the country to capture higher margins despite ongoing sanctions and military pressures. Conflict fuels uncertainty in global energy markets Military operations between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, which have continued since late February, have intensified investor anxiety regarding the security of energy facilities across the Gulf region. Concerns are mounting that Iranian oil infrastructure could become a target in potential retaliatory strikes, a scenario that would carry severe economic and environmental consequences. According to estimates from Asharq Business with Bloomberg, Iran has already generated hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenue since the conflict escalated, benefiting from tighter supply conditions and reduced access for some exporters in the strait.