Explained: The Strait of Hormuz — Why a Potential Blockade Worries the World

📌 Summary:

• The Strait of Hormuz, between Iran and Oman, is the world most critical oil chokepoint — roughly 20% of global oil supply (approximately 20 million barrels per day) transits through it.

• Iran has periodically threatened to block the Strait in retaliation for Western sanctions, most recently amid escalating US-Iran tensions over the nuclear programme in 2026.

• A blockade scenario: Iran could deploy mines, fast attack craft, anti-ship missiles, and submarines to deny passage — even a partial blockade for days would send oil prices soaring 30-50%.

• India is particularly vulnerable: approximately 60% of India crude oil imports pass through Hormuz, including all imports from the Gulf (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Kuwait).

• Global supply chain impact: Hormuz also carries LNG from Qatar — the world largest LNG exporter — affecting gas markets in Europe and Asia.

• Historical precedent: The Tanker War (1984-1988) during the Iran-Iraq War saw attacks on 546 ships in the Gulf.

• Alternative routes: The Abqaiq-Yanbu pipeline (Saudi Arabia) and Habshan-Fujairah pipeline (UAE) can bypass Hormuz but together handle only 4-5 mb/d — far below the 20 mb/d transit volume.

• India strategic response: Diversifying suppliers, building strategic petroleum reserves (SPR), and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) are key resilience measures.

• UPSC Relevance: Strait of Hormuz, energy security, Iran nuclear programme, India oil dependence, choke points, IMEC.