Imports of Omani crude by four countries rise 380%
Omani crude exports in the first nine months of 2026 shifted as several countries increased their imports of the crude amid continued disruption to transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Average seaborne exports of Omani crude fell to 897,000 barrels per day between January and the end of September 2026, from 961,000 bpd in the same period of 2025, while China remained the largest importer with 42% of total exports at 379,000 bpd, down 45%. Imports rose in Taiwan to 109,000 bpd (up 76%), India to 107,000 bpd (up 312%), South Korea to 105,000 bpd (up 377%) and Singapore to 71,000 bpd (up 97%).
Why it matters: The reallocation of Asian crude purchases away from China and towards Taiwan, India, South Korea and Singapore shows how a shipping chokepoint disruption is reshaping energy security and oil trade flows in the region.