Asian Refiners Buy More US Crude as Hormuz Remains Blocked
August 14, 2026
News summary: Reuters reported at least four Asian refiners bought U.S. crude for later-2026 delivery. U.S. crude shipments to Asia reached a record 2.35 million bpd in July as buyers diversified away from constrained Gulf routes.
Market context: Alternative barrels improved continuity but came with high premiums, longer voyage assumptions and different crude-quality economics that buyers must compare on a delivered basis.
Archive date: August 14, 2026