Strait of Hormuz

• 17 Nov 2025

Source: IE

Why in News?

Iran seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz and diverted it into Iranian territorial waters.

• This incident has raised concerns about maritime security in one of the world's most strategic energy chokepoints.

What are the Key Facts Related to the Strait of Hormuz?

• Strategic Location: It is a narrow maritime chokepoint (55–95 km wide) between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean). 
  • It functions as a critical corridor for global shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Persian Gulf nations.
• Energy Significance: It is a critical artery for global oil movement, carrying 20% of the world’s total oil supply. 
  • Major exporters such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar depend on this route, with over 80% of the oil headed toward Asian markets, especially India, China, Japan, and South Korea.
• India’s Reliance: Approximately 40% of India’s crude oil imports and nearly 54% of its LNG imports move through this strategic passage, underscoring its vital role in India’s energy security.
• Past Geopolitical Flashpoints: Its narrow width (around 21 miles) makes it highly vulnerable to blockades or disruptions, and past incidents—such as the 2019 tanker attacks and US–Iran tensions—have shown how quickly regional issues can trigger global oil price spikes.
  • However, a complete shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz has never occurred, though the region has experienced major disruptions.
• Strategic Bypass Routes: Saudi Arabia and the UAE operate pipelines that bypass the Strait, while Iran relies on the Goreh–Jask pipeline and the Jask terminal to send oil directly to the Gulf of Oman.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Strait of Hormuz?

The Strait links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and carries 20–25% of global oil, making it critical for global energy flows and maritime trade.

2. How dependent is India on shipments via the Strait of Hormuz?

Around 40% of India’s crude oil imports and nearly 54% of its LNG imports pass through the Strait, underscoring its importance for India’s energy security.

3. Which countries’ exports primarily transit the Strait of Hormuz?

Major exporters using the Strait include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar, with over 80% of this oil headed to Asian markets.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. Between India and East Asia, the navigation-time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following? (2011)

1. Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.
2. Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (b)

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Q. Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca? (2010)

(a) Bali 

(b) Brunei

(c) Java 

(d) Singapore

Ans: (d)