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US Petroleum Exports Hit Record in April on Strong Global Demand, EIA Says

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US exports of crude oil and petroleum products rose to a record high in April as supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz boosted demand for American supplies, the Energy Information Administration strategists said on Wednesday.

The EIA said total petroleum exports climbed to 13.6 million barrels per day in April, up 15% from the previous record set in March.

The agency said crude oil accounted for the largest share of exports, averaging 5.6 million b/d, which was 21% higher than the previous monthly record set in December 2023.

Propane exports exceeded 2 million b/d for the first time in monthly data, making it the second-largest export category. Distillate fuel oil exports rose to 1.6 million b/d, the highest level since July 2017.

Jimmy Troderman, economist at EIA, said exports of finished petroleum products, including distillate fuel oil, motor gasoline, jet fuel and petroleum coke, reached their highest level since December 2024, even though gasoline exports were near average levels.

The surge in exports came as shipping disruptions in the Hormuz altered global crude and refined product trade flows, increasing demand for alternative supplies from the US.

The EIA said more recent weekly data indicate strong export momentum continued into May and June. Troderman said shipments of crude oil, distillate fuel, jet fuel and propane remained above their five-year seasonal averages during the two months.

The US has become one of the world's largest exporters of crude oil and refined products in recent years, with Gulf Coast terminals playing a central role in supplying Europe, Asia and Latin America.

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