US Naval Blockade Halts Iran’s Crude Oil Exports as Millions of Barrels Remain Stranded

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — WEB DESK | October 14, 2026

Iran’s seaborne crude oil exports have fallen to zero amid a US naval blockade, intensifying pressure on Tehran’s energy trade and leaving millions of barrels of oil stranded aboard tankers near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian crude shipments dropped to zero in the second week of September after averaging approximately 230,000 barrels per day over a 14-day period at the beginning of that month. The exports remained at zero through October 5, according to shipping data published by energy intelligence firm Vortexa.

Millions of Barrels Remain on Tankers

Iran still had approximately 83 million barrels of crude oil aboard tankers at sea, with around 43 million barrels stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz amid restrictions on shipping.

The disruption has severely constrained Iran’s ability to move crude to international buyers. The impact extends beyond immediate export revenues, as prolonged shipping restrictions can increase storage pressure and complicate the movement of oil cargoes.

Iran’s liquefied petroleum gas exports also fell by 48 per cent month-on-month, reaching their lowest level since at least January 2023, adding to the pressure on the country’s energy trade.

Other Gulf Oil Exports Recover

While Iranian crude shipments remain halted, oil flows from other Gulf producers have shown a substantial recovery.

Exports of crude oil, condensate and refined petroleum products from Gulf countries excluding Iran rose to more than 81 per cent of pre-war levels in September. Saudi Arabia led much of the recovery as regional producers adjusted their export routes and shipping operations to cope with disruptions.

The contrasting trends highlight how the regional energy market is adapting unevenly to the conflict, with some producers restoring shipments while Iran faces continuing restrictions.

Global Energy Markets Face Continued Uncertainty

The interruption of Iranian crude exports is adding to uncertainty in international energy markets, where shipping risks and instability around the Strait of Hormuz remain major concerns.

The strait is a critical route for global oil and gas transportation. Any prolonged disruption to maritime traffic can increase freight costs, complicate supply planning and contribute to volatility in energy prices.

The duration of the restrictions and the extent to which Iran can find alternative ways to move its oil will remain important factors for global crude markets in the coming weeks.

Iran’s crude exports remained at zero in the latest data available through October 5, while the broader regional oil trade continued to recover unevenly.