Middle East Oil Exports Rebound to 15 Million Bpd, U.S. Claims

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that oil exports from the Middle East have rebounded to 15 million barrels per day (bpd), surpassing the pre-war average of 20 million bpd. However, ship-tracking data indicates oil flows are only about 9 million bpd, with gaps of 3 million bpd to 5 million bpd compared to the Secretary's claims. The U.S. Energy Information Administration noted that traffic at the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly constrained. This discrepancy between reported and observed oil flows could impact market perceptions and investor confidence in Middle Eastern oil production.