NDTV Datafy’s satellite‑image analysis reveals that Persian Gulf export terminals loaded almost 9 million barrels of crude per day in August, a rise that outpaces the 70% of pre‑war throughput. The data, compiled from Ras Tanura, Al Jubail, Mina Abdulla, Mina Al‑Ahmadi, Mina Saud, Al Basra and Ruwais, shows 40 tankers transiting the strait in the week ending 27 August.
The count includes only Suezmax and VLCC tankers; each VLCC can carry about two million barrels, so the 40 vessels represent roughly 80 million barrels in a single week. The spike coincides with the Houthi‑Saudi confrontation, which has kept other Gulf export routes vulnerable.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed that 10 million barrels flowed through Hormuz last week, restoring at least two‑thirds of the pre‑war 20‑million‑barrel‑per‑day volume. He said the corridor remains critical as Iranian forces threaten to disrupt maritime traffic.
The U.S. Navy has stepped up escort missions along the UN‑authorised channel near Oman, a move Iran fiercely opposes. Analysts say the increased protection could deter further attacks and stabilize the market until diplomatic resolutions emerge.