U.S. crude oil and petroleum exports reached a record high in April, driven by increased demand amid disruptions in energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz linked to ongoing conflict involving Iran, according to data released Wednesday by the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Total crude and petroleum exports averaged 13.6 million barrels per day in April, marking a 15 percent increase over the previous monthly record set in March. Crude oil shipments accounted for the largest portion of these exports, averaging 5.6 million barrels per day. This volume represents a 21 percent rise from the prior crude export record established in December 2023.

Among other petroleum products, propane exports surpassed 2.0 million barrels per day for the first time in the monthly historical data maintained by the EIA, making it the second-largest component of U.S. petroleum exports in April. Distillate fuel oil exports also rose substantially, reaching 1.6 million barrels per day, the highest level since July 2017.

The EIA noted that exports of finished petroleum products—including distillate fuel oil, motor gasoline, jet fuel, and petroleum coke—hit their highest levels since December 2024 during the same period.

The surge in U.S. exports comes as supply disruptions have affected the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil passes. Hostilities involving Iran have contributed to reduced energy flows from the region, prompting global markets to increase reliance on alternative sources such as U.S. petroleum exports.

The new export records underscore the growing role of the United States as a pivotal energy supplier amid geopolitical tensions disrupting traditional oil trade routes.