Iran has significantly ramped up its oil loading operations recently, reportedly preparing for potential U.S. military action in the region. Between February 15 and 20, exports from Kharg Island reached approximately 20.1 million barrels, nearly three times higher than the same period in January and representing over 3 million barrels per day. This increase coincides with the U.S. deploying substantial military resources in the Middle East, marking the largest buildup since the second Gulf War in 2003.
The Iranian economy heavily relies on oil production and exports, and the current surge in loading barrels is a strategy to maximize turnover before any disruptions occur. Most of these operations are taking place at Kharg Island, with tankers taking routes through the Strait of Hormuz while attempting to avoid detection. Satellite imagery corroborates heightened activity in this area, indicating that tankers observed there have more than doubled since mid-February.
Experts suggest that if an attack does occur, the loaded tankers may scatter to different locations. Current estimates indicate Iran’s exports could average between 1.5 million to 1.6 million barrels daily this month, driven by the increased activity. As tankers are departing Iranian waters, there has been a noted decrease in oil inventories at the island, affirming that shipments are indeed being loaded onto vessels.
