Oil Falls as Kpler Data Show Hormuz Flows Topping Pre-War Levels

Crude oil prices declined in early trading on October 5, 2026, after Kpler reported that flows through the Strait of Hormuz rose above pre-war levels, easing supply concerns tied to Middle East disruptions. Brent crude traded at $101.20 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate at $89.73, both higher than Friday's close, suggesting some traders awaited firmer evidence of improved flows. Kpler's provisional data showed Hormuz oil flows of 19.5 million to 22.5 million barrels per day between September 27 and September 29, roughly double the daily rate a month earlier, despite reported damage to Saudi energy infrastructure and Iranian attacks on tankers. LNG flows through Hormuz also reached pre-war levels, though QatarEnergy remains in force majeure on exports, clouding the outlook for the world's third-largest LNG exporter.