U.S. Energy Exports Smash Records as Hormuz Conflict Fuels Demand

U.S. crude and petroleum exports hit a record 12.9 million barrels per day last week, per EIA, as the Strait of Hormuz conflict persists and damaged Qatari facilities redirect global buyers to American supplies. This builds on initial surges reported April 24, with LNG exports at all-time highs and over 60 empty supertankers—triple prewar levels—racing to the U.S. Gulf Coast for more. The shift bolsters oil prices short-term but faces hurdles like refinery mismatches and 18-24 month delays for new terminals.