According to The Wall Street Journal, citing ship-tracking firm Kpler, oil exports from the Gulf region averaged over 24 million barrels per day (bpd) in the week ending October 18, exceeding the 23.3 million bpd recorded before the US-Israel war on Iran. This increase occurred despite continued attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Shipments through Hormuz itself averaged about 14 million bpd, or 82% of pre-war levels, with overall exports sustained by US military protection, ship-to-ship transfers, and alternative pipelines through Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Kpler data shows 40% of non-Iranian crude exports bypassed Hormuz in September, up from 17% pre-war, as high profits make the risks worthwhile for shippers.