New Delhi/Tehran, Feb 26 (.) Crude oil exports from Iran recorded a sharp rise in the second half of February, with daily loadings from Kharg Island climbing to their highest levels in weeks, from February 15-20, according to tanker-tracking data compiled by Kpler.
The data indicates that shipments during this five-day period increased markedly compared to the rest of January and early February. On several days within the February 15–20 window, exports exceeded 6 million barrels per day.
The peak during this stretch approached nearly 8 million barrels in a single day, making it the highest daily volume recorded since the beginning of January.
By comparison, export levels throughout January generally fluctuated below 4 million barrels per day. While there were occasional spikes during the month, these were isolated and did not form a sustained high-volume pattern.
Early February showed a similar trend, with moderate and uneven daily shipments before the sharp mid-month acceleration.
The chart reflects a clear shift starting February 15, when daily export volumes rose sharply and remained elevated for multiple consecutive days.
This cluster of high-volume loadings stands out against the comparatively lower and more sporadic shipments recorded earlier in the year.
The sudden acceleration in cargo movements appears to coincide with heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including reports of a US military buildup in the region.
The surge in exports may signal efforts to expedite crude shipments amid concerns over potential disruptions to regional oil flows.
From January 1 through mid-February, daily exports displayed volatility but stayed within a narrower range. The mid-February surge represents a significant deviation from that pattern, marking the most concentrated stretch of high export activity during the period under review.
Kharg Island, which serves as Iran’s primary crude oil export terminal, accounted for this notable increase in cargo movements, reflecting intensified loading operations over the five-day span.
The data up to February 20 suggests that the surge was both sharp and concentrated, contrasting with the more moderate shipment levels seen in the preceding weeks, and underscores how quickly export dynamics can shift against the backdrop of evolving regional security developments.
. SAS ARN IM