Kuwait Oil Exports Fall to Zero for First Time since Gulf War

Kuwait’s oil crisis entered uncharted territory, with crude exports dropping to zero in April 2026 for the first time since the Gulf War, raising fresh concerns over global supply stability amid escalating regional tensions.

Data from TankerTrackers showed that the country recorded no outbound crude shipments duirng the month, marking a historic disruption for one of the world’s key oil producers.

The halt in exports reflects a near-total breakdown in tanker movements through critical maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption has effectively paralyzed oil shipments despite Kuwait maintaining production levels.

State-owned Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has declared force majeure multiple times in recent weeks, citing the inability to ship crude oil and refined products due to heightened geopolitical risks tied to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

With exports halted, Kuwait has redirected crude supplies toward domestic consumption and storage, placing increasing pressure on its storage infrastructure. As facilities approach capacity limits, the country faces the difficult prospect of shutting in oil wells, a move that could have longer-term implications for production stability.

Force majeure declarations were issued repeatedly during March and April, reflecting persistent constraints on tanker transit through Hormuz.

The crises has already reverberated across global markets. Kuwaiti crude prices jumped by $6.14 to reach $112.32 per barrel, as traders priced in the heightened risk of supply shortages from the Gulf region.

The sharp price increase underscores how quickly the situation has shifted from a localized disruption to a broader challenge affecting global oil market balances.