Saudi oil exports on track for second-highest level since Iran-US war
Average daily exports reached 5.55 million barrels in early October, down from September's peak but still among the highest since the conflict began.
At a glance
- Saudi oil exports averaged 5.55 million barrels per day in early October, the second-highest since the Iran-US War began
- Ras Tanura port exports declined to 2.98 million barrels daily from 4.16 million in September
- Yanbu port on the Red Sea handled 2.34 million barrels daily, with the East-West pipeline enabling route flexibility
- Ras Tanura exports halted completely in April and May, forcing all shipments through Yanbu
Saudi oil exports are projected to reach their second-highest monthly level since the Iran-US War began in late February 2026, according to shipment tracking data from Kpler. Average daily exports stood at 5.55 million barrels from October 1 to 15, compared with 7.16 million barrels in September, which recorded the highest monthly level since the war started.
Exports through the Ras Tanura port on the Arabian Gulf averaged 2.98 million barrels per day in early October, while the Yanbu port on the Red Sea handled 2.34 million barrels daily. Saudi Aramco has redirected shipments between the two ports using an East-West pipeline connecting the Eastern Province to Yanbu, demonstrating operational flexibility after Ras Tanura exports halted completely in April and May.
Why it matters
The data illustrates how regional conflict has disrupted traditional export infrastructure, requiring operators to adapt shipping routes and leverage alternative ports to maintain oil supply flows.
Original reporting
This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.