Overview
- Iran loaded nearly 20.1 million barrels from Kharg Island between Feb 15 and 20, roughly triple January’s pace for the same dates and equivalent to more than 3 million barrels per day, according to Kpler data reported by Bloomberg.
- Satellite analysis showed tankers near Kharg more than doubled to 18 during Feb 15–20, with imagery indicating storage drawdowns that align with heightened loading activity.
- TankerTrackers.com’s Samir Madani says Iran is loading as much oil as possible, projects February exports at 1.5–1.6 million barrels per day, and expects tankers to disperse if strikes occur.
- The U.S. has assembled its largest regional force since 2003, and reports say F-22 fighter jets were deployed to Israel, reinforcing concerns over potential strikes.
- Very Large Crude Carrier charter costs have climbed above $170,000 per day, per LSEG data cited by Reuters, and Brent prices have risen in recent weeks as supply risks escalate.