Iraq

Industry News

UAE and Kuwait Expand Naphtha Exports to Asia via Offshore Transfers

The UAE and Kuwait have increased naphtha exports to Asian petrochemical producers using ship-to-ship transfer operations conducted outside the Strait of Hormuz. Between August and September, ADNOC and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation exported approximately 1.6 million metric tons of naphtha, more than doubling shipments from the March-April period. The surge reflects growing utilization of alternative loading and offshore transshipment hubs including Fujairah and waters off Oman and India.

Industry News

High Freight Rates Drive New India-Middle East Container Services to UAE Ports

Historically high freight yields are spurring container lines to launch dedicated services between India and Middle East ports, with UAE gateways such as Khor Fakkan seeing increased traffic. Danish carrier Maersk has deployed a new shuttle between India's Nhava Sheva and Khor Fakkan, while Chinese line CULines is planning an Asia-Middle East service. Ongoing overland cross-border transport bottlenecks and port congestion continue to elevate regional spot rates and trigger fresh carrier surcharges.

Middle East Travel Alerts

Iran Resumes International Flights at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport

Safe Airspace confirmed that the Tehran Flight Information Region remains only partially open to international air traffic. While eastern Iranian airspace is accessible for overflights, the western region remains closed. Multiple national aviation regulators continue to issue NOTAMs warning against or prohibiting operations in the area.

Industry News

Chinese Independent Refiners Boost Iraqi and Qatari Crude Purchases as Iranian Flows Drop

Chinese independent refiners have increased imports of crude from Iraq and Qatar for October and November delivery to replace dwindling Iranian supplies. Private refineries purchased between 15 million and 20 million barrels of Gulf crude through major international trading houses. Delivered cargoes commanded premiums ranging from $12 to $20 per barrel above ICE Brent.