How has the UAE managed to maintain crude oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz despite heightened regional conflict?

The UAE, primarily through ADNOC, has sustained crude exports by conducting 'dark crossings'—switching off ship transponders while transiting the Strait of Hormuz—and transferring cargo to waiting vessels in the Gulf of Oman; it has also secured tankers at exorbitant rates for shuttle runs and held unprecedented tenders selling over 130 million barrels since June, with most barrels going to Asian refiners.

What role has ADNOC’s export strategy played in global oil market stability amid the energy crisis?

ADNOC’s aggressive export campaign has provided a critical buffer for global markets, helping limit supply losses from the conflict, countering expectations of severe shortages and price spikes—evidenced by Brent crude trading around $79/barrel—and making the UAE the only Middle Eastern producer to reach pre-war seaborne export levels in June and July, largely supplying medium-sour crude essential to Asian refineries that cannot easily source substitutes.

UAE Defies Hormuz Risks to Keep Crude Flowing to Global Markets

Aug 5, 2026

The UAE has maintained significant crude exports through the Strait of Hormuz using shuttle runs and pipelines, stabilizing global supply amid regional tensions. Adnoc's strategy helped limit market losses, keeping Brent prices around $79 per barrel despite security threats.

bloomberg

2026-08-05

UAE Defies Hormuz Risks to Keep Crude Flowing to Global Markets

UAE Defies Hormuz Risks to Keep Crude Flowing to Global Markets

FAQ