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Iran dispatched at least 11.7 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz to China since the US-Israel war erupted on February 28. TankerTrackers.com co-founder Samir Madani confirmed the shipments using satellite imagery that pierces vessels’ deliberate tracking blackouts. Kpler estimates match near 12 million barrels with China as prime destination. These flows persist even as 80 percent of broader tanker traffic vanished under war risks and Iranian threats.
How Iran Keeps Crude Flowing to China Amid Blockade
Three of six tracked Iranian tankers since late February flew Iranian flags. Most activated “dark” mode disabling AIS transponders to evade detection. Tehran attacked ten Hormuz vessels killing seven seafarers per International Maritime Organization. Foreign Ministry spokesman warned transiting tankers “must be very careful.” President Trump urged stranded ships to “show some guts” claiming “we sunk all their ships” leaving nothing to fear.
Why Jask Terminal Suddenly Loads VLCC Supertankers
Kharg Island handles 90 percent Iranian exports feeding into Hormuz. Jask on the Gulf of Oman bypasses the strait entirely. Iran resumed loadings there with a VLCC taking two million barrels. Only the fifth such operation in five years signals desperation play. Loading consumes up to ten days versus one or two at Kharg. Madani calls it “good domestic propaganda” lacking logistical edge.
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How China Stockpiled Ahead of Dual Supply Shocks
Beijing imported 1.22 million barrels daily from Iran recently down from February’s 2.16 million peak. Yearly high since 2018 built massive reserves. January stockpiles hit 1.2 billion barrels covering three to four months demand per Atlantic Council. Trump strikes captured Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro and killed Iran’s Khamenei targeting China’s lifelines. February loadings peaked 3.78 million barrels weekly double prior averages.
What Keeps Hormuz 80 Percent Empty Despite Iranian Exports
War premiums explode insurance costs deterring commercial tankers. Hormuz carries one-fifth global oil and gas. Traffic trickled to near zero since late February. Iranian warnings and attacks froze flows even as select crude cargoes slipped through to loyal buyers. Oil hit nearly $120 Monday before G7 reserve rumors pulled WTI to $84.90 and Brent $88.90 Tuesday evening.
FAQs
Q: How many barrels left Iran via Hormuz since war start.
A: TankerTrackers tallies 11.7 million all China bound. Kpler near 12 million.
Q: Why do Iranian tankers go dark.
A: AIS transponders disabled to evade detection after Tehran attacks on ten vessels.
Q: How long VLCC loading at Jask terminal.
A: Up to ten days versus one to two days at primary Kharg Island.
Q: China’s Iranian import average recently.
A: 1.22 million barrels daily down from February 2.16 million peak.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.