Despite an active military conflict disrupting one of the world’s most critical waterways, Iran oil exports to China have continued at significant volumes. Shipping analytics firm TankerTrackers reported that Iran sent at least 11.7 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began on February 28, 2026 — nearly all destined for China.
Iran crude oil flows to China: what the data shows
According to Kpler, Iranian crude shipments during the first nine days of the conflict averaged around 1.22 million barrels per day (mb/d) — lower than February’s pre-war peak of 2.16 mb/d, but still substantial. China accounts for over 80% of Iran’s total crude exports, primarily absorbed by independent refineries in Shandong province that operate outside the U.S. financial system.
Strait of Hormuz oil crisis and global energy markets
The Strait of Hormuz normally carries approximately 20 million barrels of oil per day — roughly 20% of global petroleum consumption — according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Ongoing disruptions have pushed Brent crude prices above $100 per barrel, triggering an unprecedented release of 400 million barrels from strategic reserves by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Impact on Pakistan and Asian energy importers
For countries like Pakistan, which depend on Middle East energy imports transiting the Strait, sustained disruptions carry direct economic consequences — including higher fuel costs, inflationary pressure, and supply chain risk. Analysts warn that if disruptions persist, Asian importers could face both supply shortages and sharp price volatility in global oil markets.
Sources: TankerTrackers.com (satellite vessel tracking), Kpler (cargo data), U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), International Energy Agency (IEA), CNBC, Iran International. All figures are based on third-party monitoring data cited in verified media coverage.
