TEHRAN, IRAN — Iran’s floating oil reserves have fallen sharply as restrictions on its crude exports continue to affect tanker movements and shipments to major buyers. Data cited by The Maritime Executive showed that Iranian oil stored aboard tankers declined from around 192 million barrels in mid-April to about 80 million barrels by late August.

Much of Iran’s remaining crude outside the Persian Gulf is stored aboard tankers near Malaysia and China, where cargoes are being used to supply Chinese buyers. China remains Iran’s largest oil customer, but shipments have declined in recent months as trade restrictions and shipping risks limit available cargoes.

Iranian oil shipments to China reportedly fell to around 534,000 barrels per day in August, compared with about 823,000 barrels per day in July. The tighter supply has also pushed some Chinese refiners to look for alternative crude from countries including Iraq and Brazil.

The decline in Iran’s floating oil stocks comes as shipping conditions around the Strait of Hormuz remain affected by the continuing U.S.-Iran conflict and restrictions on Iranian vessels. Analysts continue to monitor tanker movements, available storage, and export levels as these developments could affect oil shipping routes and global energy supplies in the coming months.