Iran: Relaunch of oil exports brings hope for Asia

The election of reformist Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has raised hopes of a normalization of oil flows to Asia, despite ongoing US sanctions.

Share:

Relance des exportations pétrolières iraniennes

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

The election of Masoud Pezeshkian as President of Iran could mark a crucial turning point for Asian oil buyers. By focusing on reviving the nuclear agreement with the West and lifting international sanctions, Pezeshkian aims to restore Iranian oil flows to normal levels. According to analysts and traders, this development could stabilize the Asian oil market.

Potential Impacts on the Asian Oil Market

Asian buyers, particularly in China, Japan and South Korea, are keeping a close eye on possible changes in oil policy under the new regime. Tushar Bansal, Senior Director at EY Parthenon, points out that to have a significant impact on oil prices this winter, an agreement with the West must be reached before September. If successful, this would also attract foreign investment to Iran’s former oil fields.

Reactions from Asian refineries

Japanese and South Korean refineries, major consumers of Iranian condensates, are cautiously optimistic. Before the sanctions, South Korea was one of the biggest buyers of Iranian crude oil and condensates, purchasing 148 million barrels in 2017. Japanese refiners, for their part, particularly appreciated the qualities of Iranian Heavy and Forozan crudes.

Outlook for China and India

Despite sanctions, Iran remains a key supplier of heavier crudes to China. A Beijing-based analyst predicts political adjustments after the presidential election, which could alter the oil export process. In India, refiners are eagerly awaiting the possibility of resuming imports of Iranian oil, a traditionally important source for the country.
The election of Masoud Pezeshkian could be a catalyst for the revival of Iranian oil exports to Asia, despite the many political and economic challenges. If Iran succeeds in negotiating the lifting of sanctions, Asian oil markets could experience a period of increased stability, beneficial for buyers in the region. However, the realization of these hopes will depend heavily on the forthcoming international negotiations and the new president’s ability to navigate Iran’s complex political landscape.

Increased output from Opec+ and non-member producers is expected to create a global oil surplus as early as 2025, putting pressure on crude prices, according to the International Energy Agency.
The Brazilian company expands its African footprint with a new offshore exploration stake, partnering with Shell and Galp to develop São Tomé and Príncipe’s Block 4.
A drone attack on a Bachneft oil facility in Ufa sparked a fire with no casualties, temporarily disrupting activity at one of Russia’s largest refineries.
The divide between the United States and the European Union over regulations on Russian oil exports to India is causing a drop in scheduled deliveries, as negotiation margins tighten between buyers and sellers.
Against market expectations, US commercial crude reserves surged due to a sharp drop in exports, only slightly affecting international prices.
Russia plans to ship 2.1 million barrels per day from its western ports in September, revising exports upward amid lower domestic demand following drone attacks on key refineries.
QatarEnergy obtained a 35% stake in the Nzombo block, located in deep waters off Congo, under a production sharing contract signed with the Congolese government.
Phillips 66 acquires Cenovus Energy’s remaining 50% in WRB Refining, strengthening its US market position with two major sites totalling 495,000 barrels per day.
Nigeria’s two main oil unions have halted loadings at the Dangote refinery, contesting the rollout of a private logistics fleet that could reshape the sector’s balance.
Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. enters Gabonese offshore with a strategic contract on the Ngulu block, expanding its portfolio with immediate production potential and long-term development opportunities.
BW Energy has finalised a $365mn financing for the conversion of the Maromba FPSO offshore Brazil and signed a short-term lease for a drilling rig with Minsheng Financial Leasing.
Vantage Drilling has finalised a major commercial agreement for the deployment of the Platinum Explorer, with a 260-day offshore mission starting in Q1 2026.
Permex Petroleum has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Chisos Ltd. for potential funding of up to $25mn to develop its oil assets in the Permian Basin.
OPEC+ begins a new phase of gradual production increases, starting to lift 1.65 million barrels/day of voluntary cuts after the early conclusion of a 2.2 million barrels/day phaseout.
Imperial Petroleum expanded its fleet to 19 vessels in the second quarter of 2025, while reporting a decline in revenue due to lower rates in the maritime oil market.
Eight OPEC+ members will meet to adjust their quotas as forecasts point to a global surplus of 3 million barrels per day by year-end.
Greek shipping companies are gradually withdrawing from transporting Russian crude as the European Union tightens compliance conditions on price caps.
A key station on the Stalnoy Kon pipeline, essential for transporting petroleum products between Belarus and Russia, was targeted in a drone strike carried out by Ukrainian forces in Bryansk Oblast.
SOMO is negotiating with ExxonMobil to secure storage and refining access in Singapore, aiming to strengthen Iraq’s position in expanding Asian markets.
The European Union’s new import standard forces the United Kingdom to make major adjustments to its oil and gas exports, impacting competitiveness and trade flows between the two markets.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.