U.S. exports of crude oil and petroleum products reached record in April

U.S. petroleum exports reached a record in April as disruptions to international crude oil and refined product flows through the Strait of Hormuz increased global demand for U.S. exports. Exports increased to 13.6 million barrels per day (b/d) in April, 15% more than the previous record set in March.

Crude oil exports made up the largest share of total petroleum exports, averaging 5.6 million b/d in April, 21% more than the previous record set in December 2023. Propane made up the second-largest share, with exports exceeding the 2.0 million b/d mark for the first time in monthly data, and distillate fuel oil made up the third-largest share, increasing to 1.6 million b/d, the most since July 2017.

U.S. exports of finished petroleum products—which is mostly made up of distillate fuel oil, motor gasoline, jet fuel, and petroleum coke—were the highest since December 2024, despite relatively average exports of motor gasoline.

Exports of jet fuel, unfinished oils, and naphtha each reached record highs in March and remained high in April but slightly below their record levels.

Our more recent weekly estimates suggest crude oil, distillate fuel, jet fuel, and propane exports remained above five-year (2021–2025) seasonal highs in May and June.

Principal contributor: Jimmy Troderman