Updated

Middle East crude oil exports in August 2026 fell 39 percent from the January-February baseline of 18.5 million barrels per day, according to oil-tracking firm TankerTrackers. The sharpest decline, 67 percent below pre-war levels, was recorded in May, though the deficit has since narrowed somewhat to 7.2 mbpd from 12.4 mbpd in May. The data, covering exporters including Saudi Arabia and Iran, illustrates the mounting economic toll of the ongoing US-Iran military confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz on regional oil trade. The figures underscore how the conflict is disrupting one of the world's most critical energy corridors, with implications for global oil markets and supply chains.