The UAE’s crude oil and condensate exports climbed to a record high in June, driven by increased production following the country’s departure from OPEC and a recovery in shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Preliminary vessel-tracking data from Kpler and Vortexa showed exports averaging around 3.7 million barrels per day during the month, significantly above the 3.1 to 3.3 million barrels per day recorded before recent regional tensions disrupted trade.
The UAE ended its membership of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on May 1, allowing it to increase production without being bound by the group’s output quotas.
Analysts said exports also benefited from the gradual restoration of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after disruptions linked to regional conflict.
Johannes Rauball, a senior oil analyst at Kpler, said higher export volumes reflected both the resumption of maritime traffic and a steady increase in UAE crude production, which is approaching pre-conflict levels. He added that inventory drawdowns have also helped keep exports elevated.
According to Vortexa, crude loadings from Abu Dhabi averaged around 4 million barrels per day between June 1 and June 29, exceeding pre-conflict levels. Export volumes also rose from an average of 3.3 million barrels per day during the first two months of the year.
The report said demand for UAE crude has remained strong in Asia while expanding across markets west of the Suez Canal, including Africa, northwest Europe, the Mediterranean and the US West Coast.
Among the new buyers is Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, which imported two million barrels of crude from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), marking its first purchase from the Emirati producer.
ADNOC also continued marketing additional crude supplies during June, offering several grades for loading between June and August as international demand remained firm.
The latest figures highlight the UAE’s growing role in global energy markets as it seeks to maximise production capacity and expand exports following its exit from OPEC.
