US hits record crude exports as global disruption keeps prices elevated
The United States exported a record amount of crude in April (about 5.3 million bpd on average, peaking at 6.4 mbpd) as global supply gaps from the Iran conflict encouraged overseas sales, with SPR withdrawals totaling about 23 million barrels; despite the surge, Brent crude stayed above $100 and WTI near $95, and the national gas price hovered around $4.54/gal. Analysts say keeping more oil in the US won’t automatically lower pump prices due to refinery capacity limits and global pricing, and future prices depend on how long Middle East disruptions last and whether producers increase output.
