Preliminary data from ship-tracking agencies indicate that Saudi Arabia's crude exports have remained close to wartime highs this month, even as the kingdom's energy facilities came under repeated attacks and reports mounted of Iranian strikes targeting tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to data from Vortexa, a data services provider, combined crude exports from Saudi Arabia's east and west coasts have totaled 6.5 million barrels per day so far in October, compared with 6.6 million barrels per day for the whole of last month.
Tankertrackers.com estimates total exports of 6.99 million barrels per day so far in October, a level matching pre-war volumes, while Kpler puts the figure at 5.4 million barrels per day, below September's level.
These figures reflect a broader trend of crude exports from the Persian Gulf region converging toward pre-conflict levels.
However, discrepancies exist among the various data sources, mainly because tankers are choosing to switch off their satellite transponders to conceal their positions and reduce the risk of being attacked.
This makes it difficult for traders and investors to assess the export situation in the region, which is crucial for global oil price setting and supply evaluations.
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