U.S. crude oil exports surge amid Middle East crisis

U.S. crude oil exports have surged as supply disruptions in the Middle East have tightened global availability. American crude is trading at a discount to Brent, drawing buyers in Asia and Europe that are facing shortages, while shipping constraints through the Hormuz Strait remain unusually tight.

Shipping signals a larger U.S. role

Bloomberg data dated April 11 show more than 60 Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) moving toward the U.S. Gulf to load. Each VLCC can carry about 2 million barrels, implying the current wave could transport more than 120 million barrels in a single shipment cycle.

The shift comes as Hormuz traffic stays depressed despite a temporary ceasefire. The article notes that, during the crisis, Hormuz flows have at times fallen to only a few ships per day, compared with the usual level of around 140 ships per day.

Demand pull from Asia and Europe

With reduced Middle East supply, refiners in Asia and Europe have sought alternatives, and U.S. crude has emerged as a primary option. The discounted pricing has attracted importers, and several cargoes have already been booked for Korea, China and Pakistan.

Some shipments have been rerouted through the Panama Canal, which the article says has increased costs and lengthened transit times.

Export outlook and tanker market tightening

In April 2026, U.S. crude exports are expected to reach a record near 4.9 million barrels per day, with a potential to surpass 5 million bpd in May 2026. The surge has tightened the U.S. Gulf tanker market, with fewer available VLCCs and rising shipping costs as firms compete for capacity to move exports to Asia and Europe.

Refined products also reach record levels

Beyond crude, U.S. refined product exports posted record figures in March 2026 at about 3.11 million barrels per day. The article cites diesel, gasoline and jet fuel as part of the mix, helping offset shortages in international markets.

Middle East disruption timeline and losses

The Middle East crisis began in late February 2026 and pushed Hormuz traffic to very low levels. The article estimates that hundreds of ships were delayed or rerouted, contributing to losses of more than 200 million barrels of oil in the crisis’s early phase.

Impact and outlook

As a net energy exporter, the United States is using the opportunity to reinforce its position in global energy markets. The article points to shale output—especially from the Permian—as a source of light crude that many international refineries can use.

Analysts cited in the article caution that even if tensions ease, full restoration of Hormuz flow could take weeks or longer. They also note that shipping costs and insurance remain elevated, underscoring the fragility of global energy supply chains and the growing importance of U.S. supply in maintaining international oil-market stability.