Iranian Oil Exports Reach 1.8 Million Barrels Per Day Despite U.S. Sanctions, Analyst Says

Iran’s crude oil exports reached 1.8 million barrels per day in January 2026, marking a 12% increase from the previous year and the highest monthly volume since 2019, according to an analysis by a senior energy strategist. This level of output has been maintained despite intensified U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian shipping, financing, and port access. The consistency in exports reflects Iran’s strategic diversification of buyers and use of shadow fleets. Key importers include India, China, and Turkey, which collectively accounted for 78% of Iran’s total shipments in the first quarter of 2026. India alone imported 570,000 barrels per day, while China’s purchases rose to 490,000 barrels per day, up from 380,000 in 2024. The data suggests that Iran’s oil sector has adapted to sanctions through non-transparent shipping networks and the use of tanker vessels registered under flags of convenience. These vessels often engage in ship-to-ship transfers to avoid detection, enabling Iran to bypass traditional maritime monitoring systems. The trend has prompted concerns among Western energy security experts about the weakening effectiveness of sanction regimes. Global oil markets have responded with increased volatility, particularly in Brent crude futures, which saw a 6.3% price jump in January as traders factored in higher risk premiums due to Iran’s persistent supply. Major oil traders such as Vitol, Trafigura, and Gunvor have reported a rise in Iranian-origin cargoes in their portfolios, though none have confirmed direct involvement with sanctioned entities.