Iran’s Oil-Smuggling Complex: How it Works and What it Means
An obscure company based in Dubai bought the Ocean Kapal, an 18-year-old tanker, back in February. Since then, the vessel has been rebranded as the Abundance III and has taken on a new job. In April, it delivered its first load of Iranian oil to the port of Dongjiakou in northern China. Following a similar trip in September, it now lingers off Malaysia, where it may pick up yet another Iranian cargo. The ship is just one of many vessels recently added to what’s known as the “dark fleet,” tasked with transporting Iranian oil. In recent years, Iranian oil exports have surged from 380,000 barrels per day in 2020 to 1.4 million today.
You might be wondering how Iranian oil is making its way around the world, given the strict sanctions that restrict its trade. Well, we’ve got all the details on how it’s getting done. Although America retains harsh sanctions targeting anyone involved with Iranian petroleum, the enforcement has been eased in hopes of reaching an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and lowering prices in the lead-up to last year’s presidential election. Despite this, pressure from recent geopolitical events has put the Biden administration under new scrutiny, leading to fears of potential market disruptions.
The process begins with the movement of Iranian barrels, which often start at Kharg Island and, increasingly, at the new port of Jask. These ports offer a route that bypasses the crowded Hormuz choke point and have proven to be an attractive option. Transponders are only turned on when ships go through narrow passages and often aren’t activated throughout the entire journey. The Iranian crude is then transported to northern China, where it is stored before being sent to its final destination.
Iran’s petroleum business is largely run by the National Iran Oil Company (NIOC), a state monopoly, with China as its main customer. With most of the designated sailing routes turning east, we take a closer look at the activities involved in the complex network of oil smuggling.
Complete with infographics and expert analysis, our feature offers a comprehensive inspection of the intricate details of the Iranian oil-smuggling network. Dive into the fascinating web of shell companies, secretive transactions, and the roles of various entities in navigating the complicated world of Iranian oil exports.
While America entertains ideas of disrupting this trade, our expert analysis lays out the numerous challenges and potential consequences that such actions might bring. We also highlight the remarkable flexibility of Iran’s supply chains in evading American measures. Potential disruptions are examined and their potential impacts on global oil prices are evaluated.
Finally, we address the bigger picture. With a strong incentive for OPEC members and Iran’s neighbors to intervene in light of a loss in Iranian exports, it becomes clear that global supply chains are more responsive than one might think.
In all, our detailed examination offers a compelling perspective on the Iranian oil-smuggling complex and its implications. So, when it comes to understanding the ins and outs of Iranian oil smuggling, we’ve got you covered.
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