economy
Kuwait for the first time in 30 years without crude oil exports in a month
In April 2026, Kuwait did not export a single barrel of crude oil for the first time in more than three decades due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, according to the specialized oil shipment tracking site TankerTrackers.com.
TL;DR
- Kuwait exported no crude oil in April 2026, the first time in over 30 years.
- The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is cited as the reason for the export halt.
- Kuwait Petroleum Corporation declared force majeure on oil exports.
- Production was significantly reduced, from a pre-crisis level of 2.7 million barrels per day to around 1.2 million barrels per day by early May.
- Oil is crucial to Kuwait's economy, representing 50% of GDP and 90% of budget revenue.