Iran finds more export custom
As Iran ramps up output, it is beginning to turn the tide on exports too
Iran has shown the first tangible signs that it is successfully countering efforts to prevent it from exporting oil, following a frank admission by the country’s oil minister that it is indeed concealing the origin of its crude shipments. International crude sales play a vital role in Iran’s economy, which has gone into freefall as the US’ sanctions noose tightens. Despite Tehran’s best efforts to diversify its economy, including major investments in the downstream sector, GDP contracted by 7.6pc between April and December 2019 largely because of a 37pc decline in the oil sector, according to the World Bank. While just 30pc of the country’s budget for the 2019/20 fiscal year was expected to
Also in this section
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage
10 March 2026
Eni’s director for global gas and LNG portfolio, Cristian Signoretto, discusses how demand will respond to rising LNG supply, and how the company is expanding its own gas and LNG operations through disciplined, capital-efficient investments
9 March 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis sees increases in output from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan among others before region’s murky descent






