**[U.S. Fills Middle East Oil Gap, Asian Empty Tankers Rush Toward America]** BlockBeats News, April 9: According to a report by the *Financial Times*, U.S. crude oil exports are expected to hit a record high in April as Asian customers scramble to find alternatives to Middle Eastern oil supplies disrupted by the Iran war. Oil research firm Kpler estimates that U.S. exports this month will surge nearly one-third from March's daily 3.9 million barrels to a daily 5.2 million barrels. Demand from Asian customers is projected to grow by 82%, reaching a daily 2.5 million barrels. Data shows that 68 empty oil tankers are currently en route to the U.S., compared to 24 in the week before the war broke out on February 28. Last year's average was 27 tankers. The export surge underscores the growing importance of the U.S. as a global "swing supplier," but competition from Asia could also drive up domestic prices, deepening concerns about a new wave of inflation triggered by the Iran war initiated by Trump. The Trump administration currently has no plans to ban oil exports. Analysts believe that if exports were banned, U.S. oil would lose its market and pile up domestically; refineries, fearing unsold inventory, would also reduce production. However, some warn that if the Middle East turmoil caused by the war continues to push fuel costs higher as the November midterm elections approach, the White House might reconsider its stance.