United Arab Emirates Oil Output Highest since 2020

The United Arab Emirates increased crude oil production by 1,707 thousand barrels per day to 3.818 million barrels per day in June 2026, the highest since April 2020, according to OPEC's monthly report.

The increase followed the country's departure from OPEC at the end of April and reflected its efforts to restore exports after the interim US-Iran peace agreement allowed more shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

The UAE has expanded the use of its own tanker fleet while chartering additional vessels, including ships operated by South Korea's Sinokor Group, with some cargoes transported without active tracking signals.

Output from Kuwait also increased to 1.394 million barrels per day, while Iraq pumped 2.09 million.

In contrast, Saudi Arabia reduced production by 373,000 barrels to 6.637 million per day.

The recovery in regional supply has since been clouded by renewed fighting around Hormuz, which has lifted oil prices and revived concerns over disruptions to global energy flows.