Iran's outbound shipments of crude and condensate collapsed in May to levels not seen in at least six years, falling under 300,000 barrels per day as a result of a U.S. naval blockade that began on April 13. Shipping data and analyst estimates compiled by Vortexa show May exports averaged roughly 209,000 barrels per day.
The May total marks a steep reduction from volumes recorded earlier in the spring. Vortexa's figures indicate exports were about 1.34 million barrels per day in April and nearly 1.9 million barrels per day in March. Those month-to-month moves represent a rapid contraction in Iranian outbound flows following the imposition of the blockade.
Vortexa noted that the May export level is the lowest since the late 2019 and early 2020 period, which coincided with the prior U.S. policy of "maximum pressure" against Iran. The comparison underscores the severity of the current export slump relative to recent history.
The U.S. blockade has directly constrained Iranian sales, while wider market dynamics reflect tighter global supply conditions. The situation has been compounded by Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which Vortexa and analysts say has reduced exports from several other Gulf producers, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.
The rapid fall in shipments between March and May highlights the sensitivity of regional oil flows to naval and maritime disruptions. Data compiled by Vortexa provides the basis for the export estimates cited here.
Data snapshot
- May exports: approximately 209,000 barrels per day (Vortexa)
- April exports: roughly 1.34 million barrels per day
- March exports: nearly 1.9 million barrels per day
- Lowest exports since: late 2019 - early 2020
This report is derived from shipping data and analyst estimates; Vortexa is identified as the source for the export figures.