What record did UAE oil exports reach in June, and what factors contributed to this surge?

UAE crude and condensate exports averaged about 3.7 million barrels per day (bpd) in June — the highest level on record — driven by multiple factors: a resumption of flows via the Strait of Hormuz, which freed previously trapped vessels; a ramp-up in supply approaching pre-war levels; and the unwinding of inventories. Additionally, ADNOC’s tanker shuttle service using 'dark vessels' with transponders switched off helped mitigate attack risks amid Iran’s chokehold on the Strait, enabling continued export operations.

How did the UAE’s exit from OPEC relate to its decision to increase oil exports, and what was the timing of this move?

The UAE ended nearly 60 years of OPEC membership on May 1, 2024, during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, explicitly to maximize the value of its resources without being constrained by the producer group’s quotas — a strategic shift that preceded and enabled the record June export volumes.

UAE Exports Record Oil Volumes After OPEC Exit, Ship-Tracking Data Shows

Jun 30, 2026

UAE crude exports reached a record 3.7 million barrels per day in June following its departure from OPEC, driven by increased supply and inventory unwinding amid regional security concerns.

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