The export jump from July’s 1.35 million barrels per day comes alongside aggressive discounting on Basrah crude, a combination that has successfully incentivized buyers in India and China. While these volumes remain below pre-war levels of 3.5 million barrels per day, the reopening of this corridor offers relief to an industry that was recently forced to slash production due to the chokepoint’s de facto closure.

Data from vessel-tracking firms Vortexa and Kpler confirm the upward trend, matching figures provided by Iraqi energy officials. Chinese refiners have already secured at least 16 million barrels for September delivery, signaling strong demand for the heavier, high-sulfur crude. Sparta Commodities analyst June Goh noted that these deep discounts have been essential in driving the renewed interest from international shipping firms, effectively bypassing the logistical bottlenecks that had paralyzed the region's energy sector.