BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 16. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has said around 18 million barrels of oil flowed out of the Gulf on Tuesday, describing the volume as broadly comparable to levels seen before the conflict with Iran.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Wright acknowledged that the conflict with Iran had removed some energy resources from the global market and said US consumers were being asked to make what he described as a “short-term sacrifice.”
“But this is to end Iran’s ability to forever drive up energy prices,” Wright said.
Asked when energy prices could begin to decline, the US energy secretary said he could not predict Iran’s behaviour. However, he claimed that the volume of oil leaving the Gulf had increased significantly.
“About 18 million barrels flowed out yesterday, basically pre-conflict levels,” Wright said.
He also said that increasing energy flows through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait would help improve the situation.
The comments come as developments involving Iran and disruptions to key maritime routes continue to affect energy markets. The Gulf and the Bab al-Mandeb are critical corridors for international oil and energy shipments, making changes in shipping volumes closely watched by global markets.
