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Jun 23, 2026 Major1
85%
UAE Oil Exports Recover to 85% of Pre-War Levels Amid Iran Conflict, IEA Says
The UAE's oil exports have rebounded to nearly 85% of pre-war levels as the nation uses pipelines and alternate routes to bypass the closed Strait of Hormuz, according to the IEA. This recovery occurred before a US-Iran interim peace deal, even as global oil prices top $100 per barrel and LNG prices rise 50% amid the ongoing conflict.
Quick Facts
Who
United Arab Emirates
What
UAE oil exports recovered to 85% of pre-war levels
When
early June 2026
Where
United Arab Emirates
- UAE oil exports recovered to 85% of pre-war levels
- Strait of Hormuz closed due to war
- Brent crude oil prices rose above $100 per barrel
- LNG prices increased by 50%
- United Arab Emirates
Oil exports from the United Arab Emirates have surged to nearly 85% of their pre-war levels, recovering faster than expected despite the ongoing conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, according to a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). The rebound occurred even before Washington and Tehran reached an interim peace deal, as the Gulf nation leveraged alternative pipelines, storage facilities, and alternate shipping routes to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed due to the war.
The conflict, which escalated following US and Israeli attacks on Iran, has driven global oil prices to their highest levels since 2022. Brent crude, the international benchmark, surged past the $100 per barrel threshold, while liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices have risen by 50%. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for about a fifth of the world's oil and LNG trade, remains largely impassable amid the hostilities.
The IEA report highlights the UAE's strategic resilience in maintaining export flows through diversified infrastructure. The country's ability to adapt has mitigated some of the supply disruptions that have rattled global energy markets. A photograph from Teesside, England, shows a crude oil tanker loading at a ConocoPhillips terminal, underscoring the broader impact on international shipping patterns.
Analysts note that while the UAE's recovery is a positive sign for global supply, the overall market remains volatile. The interim peace deal between Washington and Tehran, though not yet finalized, has raised hopes for a potential easing of tensions, but the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain. The war's continuation continues to threaten energy security and economic stability worldwide.
Why This Matters
The UAE's ability to restore most of its oil exports despite a closed Strait of Hormuz demonstrates a strategic shift in global energy logistics. For energy traders and policy makers, this means that Middle Eastern supply is less reliant on a single chokepoint, potentially reducing the risk premium in oil prices. However, the continued closure of the Strait and high prices suggest the market remains fragile; businesses dependent on stable energy costs should monitor interim peace talks closely, as any breakdown could reignite supply fears.
Timeline & Sources
Mar 9, 2026
WirePhotograph taken of crude oil tanker at ConocoPhillips terminal in Teesside, England
Jun 1, 2026
WireUAE oil exports recover to nearly 85% of pre-war levels (early June)
Jun 23, 2026
WireIEA report published on UAE oil export recovery