TEHRAN – Iran’s crude oil and condensate exports rose to 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in February, up 50 percent from the average of the previous three months, according to data from energy cargo tracking firm Kpler.

The increase comes as West Asian producers accelerate crude shipments amid contingency planning over potential disruption to flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel through which roughly one-fifth of global seaborne crude passes.

The surge follows heightened geopolitical tensions, including renewed friction between Iran and the United States.

Iranian and U.S. representatives held a third round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, while regional producers stepped up precautionary export measures.

According to Kpler data cited by the Financial Times, Saudi Arabia exported around 7.0 million bpd this month, its highest level since 2023, while United Arab Emirates shipments in February were close to a record 3.5 million bpd.

Richard Bronze, head of geopolitics at consultancy Energy Aspects, described the higher export volumes as precautionary steps to ensure producers such as Saudi Aramco can maintain supply to customers even if geopolitical tensions spill over into oil markets.

Market observers say Persian Gulf producers are attempting to position crude closer to demand centers to cushion the impact of any potential disruption.

Any decision by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the largest producers in OPEC, to raise output would be closely watched by the market.

Iran, also an OPEC member, appears to have followed a similar strategy by increasing exports ahead of any potential escalation, with February loadings marking a sharp rise compared with recent months.

EF/MA