More oil is now coming out of the Persian Gulf than before the Iran War

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Persian Gulf oil flows have exceeded prewar levels despite attacks in the Strait of Hormuz
• An improvised tanker-shipping system operating under US protection is helping oil shipments move through the strategic waterway, although traders question whether the arrangement is sustainable

🔭 The context: Tanker operators have adapted to heightened security risks, supported by operational experience and financial incentives
• Oil is also moving through alternative regional routes, helping maintain overall export volumes despite the conflict and continuing uncertainty around shipping safety

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The continued flow of oil highlights the global economy’s dependence on fossil fuels and the vulnerability of energy supplies to geopolitical disruption
• Accelerating renewable energy deployment and electrification can help reduce exposure to oil-market shocks over the longer term

⏭️ What’s next: Oil traders are be watching whether the improvised shipping system can guarantee safe operations as security risks persist
• The sustainability of current export levels will depend on the evolving security situation and the reliability of tanker routes through and around the Strait of Hormuz

📈 One stat: More than 24 million barrels per day — the average Middle East oil flow in the week through 18 October 2026, according to ship tracker Kpler, above the reported prewar level of 23.3 million barrels per day

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