Export activity in the Persian Gulf has accelerated, leading to a higher throughput of crude oil via the region's primary maritime chokepoint. More than 13.5 MMbpd cleared the Strait of Hormuz on a 7 day moving average as of September 24, Kpler data shows. This growth is primarily attributed to a new loading blitz from Saudi Arabia, which has driven the largest rise in volume.

Transit costs for these shipments have risen to between $30 and $40 per barrel, excluding the cost of U.S. military protection. These expenses may become unsustainable if global oil prices decline or if regional exporters attempt to increase their prices. However, Iraq and Kuwait will maintain production as long as realized prices exceed cash costs, though current transport expenses make bypass pipelines increasingly cost-effective.