Brief
Iran’s secret oil stockpile for China runs dry amid U.S. naval blockade
Kpler analysts report the secret oil supply bound for China has shrunk to under a million barrels and is now virtually gone.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Analysts at maritime data firm Kpler say Iran’s covert offshore oil stockpile intended for China has been reduced to virtually zero after a U.S. naval blockade prevented further shipments.
What happened
Kpler estimates the hidden reserve once held about 135 million barrels of crude. By 5 October, the volume had fallen to fewer than 1 million barrels, and the firm now says the supply is essentially exhausted.
What the reports add
Kpler’s Homayoun Falakshahi told the Wall Street Journal that “there’s no more oil to discharge to China anymore.” The firm attributes the depletion to the U.S. Central Command‑led naval blockade that has barred tankers from accessing Iranian ports.
What was said
"With the exception of humanitarian assistance we’ve allowed in, Iran has no exports and no imports by sea," said Adm. Brad Cooper, head of CENTCOM, in a Saturday briefing. Cooper added that the actions have imposed “devastating costs” on Iran’s security forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
How it came about
During the ongoing war, Iran relied on the offshore stockpile to generate billions of dollars from oil sales to China, helping offset soaring inflation and a collapsing rial. U.S. officials have said the blockade has cut at least $25 billion in oil revenue for Tehran. The reduction in oil flow also coincides with a broader decline in Gulf oil movements, which fell to 82 % of pre‑war levels last week.
Key facts
- Iran’s secret offshore oil stockpile for China fell from an estimated 135 million barrels to under 1 million barrels by 5 October. (nypost.com)
- U.S. Central Command’s naval blockade has prevented Iran from replenishing the stockpile. (nypost.com)
- Adm. Brad Cooper said the blockade has denied Iran oil exports and imports by sea, costing the regime at least $25 billion. (nypost.com)
- Homayoun Falakshahi of Kpler told the Wall Street Journal that there is no more oil to discharge to China. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Iran’s secret oil supply bound for China has dried up thanks to US naval blockade: analysts”
