TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Iran has continued shipping millions of barrels of crude oil to China through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing war disrupting traffic in the strategic waterway, CNBC reported.

Iran has sent at least 11.7 million barrels of crude oil through the strait since the conflict began on Feb. 28, according to vessel-tracking data reported by CNBC. All of the shipments were headed to China, the data showed.

Many ships passing through the strait have turned off their tracking systems after Tehran warned it could attack vessels attempting to cross the waterway, per CNBC. The tactic has raised concerns about transparency and safety on one of the world’s most important oil routes.

Iran has also resumed loading oil tankers at the Jask oil and gas terminal on the Gulf of Oman, according to Reuters. The terminal sits south of the strait and could expand the country’s ability to export crude.

The Strait of Hormuz carries a large share of the world’s oil shipments and is closely watched by global markets. Disruptions there could push energy prices higher and threaten global supply.

China is the world’s largest buyer of Iranian oil, importing about 1.38 million barrels per day last year, according to energy analytics firm Kpler, according to Reuters. That volume made up about 13% of China’s seaborne crude imports, the data showed.

In addition, per the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, China buys crude from Venezuela, another heavily sanctioned producer. Venezuelan shipments to China averaged about 389,000 barrels per day in 2025.

Together, Iranian and Venezuelan oil make up a significant portion of China’s discounted crude supply. Some of that oil is refined into fuels used across China’s economy, including sectors linked to transportation and defense.