New Delhi, Nov. 5 -- Global crude oil refinery inputs declined sharply in the second quarter of 2026 following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, with disruptions to crude supplies through the Strait of Hormuz weighing on refining activity across major Asian and Middle Eastern economies, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Global refinery inputs fell by 4.8 million barrels per day (b/d), or 6 per cent, in the April-June quarter compared with the previous quarter, data from energy intelligence firm Kpler showed. Refinery throughput subsequently recovered by 1.8 million b/d in the third quarter as refiners adjusted to changing trade flows and alternative supply routes.

The decline was particularly pronou...