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Sanctioned Iranian Tanker Slips Past U.S. Blockade, Delivers Cargo to China
OilPrice.com · November 2, 2026 · Week 2026-45
Summary
A sanctioned Iranian tanker successfully delivered approximately 500,000 barrels of LPG to China, evading the US naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman. The event, tracked by United Against Nuclear Iran, underscores the persistent challenge of enforcing sanctions via the 'shadow fleet.' While the blockade has reportedly halted Iranian crude exports, this LPG shipment shows that some energy products are still reaching key Asian markets, competing with supplies from GCC producers.
Strategic Implication
The successful shipment demonstrates the porosity of the US sanctions regime for refined products, ensuring Iranian LPG continues to compete with Gulf producers for market share in China.