Iran may have halted oil shipments from a key export terminal, according to Bloomberg
Oil shipments from Iran’s main export terminal on Kharq Island have likely come to a complete halt for several days. This may be the first sign of a prolonged pause in exports since the conflict began.
This is reported by Bloomberg.
According to satellite images collected by the publication, no oil tankers were observed at the island’s berths on May 8, 9, and 11. Although there have been occasional days without shipments in the past, the current period is the longest without any visible vessels.
Iran continued exports even during hostilities, using tankers as floating oil storage facilities, following restrictions on ships leaving the Persian Gulf.
Analysts note that if the shutdown at Kharg drags on, it could put pressure on the country’s domestic reserves, which are already gradually filling up. If storage capacity is reached, Iran may be forced to cut oil production.
Separately, there are reports of a possible spill of approximately 3,000 barrels of oil, which may have temporarily disrupted terminal operations; however, Iran denies this information.
Satellite data also shows that as of May 11, all berths on Kharg Island remained empty, and no vessels have been present for several days in a row.
Kharq Island is a key hub—nearly all of Iran’s oil exports pass through it. According to various estimates, it accounts for up to 90% of the country’s oil shipments and has a loading capacity of up to 7 million barrels per day.
