He did not name any countries, however, or give any figures on Iranian oil exports. By an Iran Times tabulation, the Islamic Republic appears to be left with only nine buyers around the world.
A major analysis group in Europe said Iranian oil sales stood at 1.9 million barrels a day in March, down from 2.5 million last year. (See Iran Times of March 30, page one.)
An Iran Times tabulation shows that 15 of the 24 countries that bought Iranian oil last year have either stopped buying from Iran or pledged to halt by July 1.
The table below shows last year’s buyers. The ones stopping purchases are the 10 EU buyers plus Malaysia, Morocco, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the Philippines. It is possible that some of these countries—chiefly Sri Lanka—are just fibbing. And others might resume purchases if they get a good deal. Also, some countries that aren’t current buyers may decide to buy if they get a good deal.
The countries that plan to continue buying—or that have remained silent thus far—are five major customers: China, Japan, India, South Korea and Turkey, and four minor customers: Indonesia, Pakistan, Singapore and Taiwan.
On this page, you will find reports from several countries about what they are doing.