Türkiye is preparing to receive its first crude oil shipment from the United States Strategic Petroleum Reserve amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns over global energy supply routes.

The move comes as United States continues releasing large volumes of crude oil from its strategic reserves following disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran and fears over the security of the Strait of Hormuz.

Western media reports stated that Washington has released around 172 million barrels from its reserves as part of coordinated international efforts led by the International Energy Agency to stabilize rising oil prices and ease pressure on global markets.

The broader initiative reportedly aims to inject nearly 400 million barrels of oil into world markets following supply concerns triggered by tensions in the Gulf region.

According to energy analytics firm Kpler, the Greek-flagged Aframax tanker North Star loaded approximately 680,000 barrels of high-quality crude oil in April from the Brian Mound Strategic Petroleum Reserve facility near Seaway, Texas.

The vessel is expected to arrive at Aliaga Port in mid-May.

Ship-tracking data and trading sources also indicated that the Hong Kong-flagged tanker DHT Antelope loaded nearly 1.1 million barrels of high-sulfur crude through a ship-to-ship transfer operation near Galveston, Texas, and is expected to unload its cargo in Türkiye later this month.

Kpler data reportedly showed that the tanker is carrying another shipment of American crude oil destined for the Turkish market.

Reports further indicated that additional shipments released from the US strategic reserves are already heading toward European destinations including Italy and Netherlands.

The development highlights growing volatility in global energy markets as geopolitical tensions continue to affect maritime trade routes and international oil supplies. (ILKHA)