Iran has shipped at least 11 to 12 million barrels of crude oil to China through the Strait of Hormuz since the war started on February 28, 2026. This massive movement of oil was reported by CNBC and cited by Al Jazeera based on recent shipping tracking data. Agencies like TankerTrackers and Kpler confirmed the volume of these shipments heading to Asian markets. China currently remains the primary destination, receiving over 80 percent of these exports.
How the Oil is Reaching China
Iran uses a network of tankers often referred to as a dark fleet to move the crude oil quietly. These ships turn off their transponders to avoid tracking and sanctions. Just recently, around March 9 and March 10, trackers noticed a US-sanctioned vessel named VLCC Cume loading Iranian crude. This Guyana-flagged ship alone carried about 2 million barrels of oil on its journey.
Before this specific vessel, five other tankers had already moved millions of barrels across the same route. China depends heavily on the Strait of Hormuz, as about 45 to 50 percent of its total oil imports pass through this narrow waterway. The continuous flow of Iranian oil highlights how trade routes remain active despite the ongoing conflict.
Key Details of the Shipments
The tracking data provides a clear picture of the ongoing oil trade between Iran and China. Here are the main facts gathered from shipping reports:
- Total Volume: Between 11 and 12 million barrels of crude oil moved.
- Start Date: Shipments tracked actively since the war began on February 28, 2026.
- Main Destination: China takes in the vast majority of the oil.
- Tracking Agencies: Data provided by TankerTrackers, Kpler, and S&P Global Commodities at Sea.
- Vessels Used: Mostly US-sanctioned ships operating with tracking systems disabled.
