In response to recent US airstrikes on three of its nuclear facilities, Iran is reportedly considering shutting down the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important oil shipping lanes.
This narrow stretch of water, just 33 kilometers wide at its tightest point, connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Every day, about 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply passes through it. With only 3-kilometer-wide shipping lanes in each direction, it’s a strategic chokepoint — and highly vulnerable to threats or blockades.
Iran’s move, if carried out, could disrupt energy supplies from major oil producers like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. While in the past such a shutdown would’ve hit the US and Europe the hardest, today it’s countries in Asia — especially China — that could feel the greatest impact.
For India, around 2 million barrels of crude oil per day — nearly a third of its imports — pass through the Strait. However, experts say India is better prepared than before. With diversified oil sources from Russia, the US, and Brazil, the country is unlikely to face a serious supply crunch.
India’s natural gas imports are also relatively safe. Key suppliers like Qatar, Australia, and the US either don’t rely on the Strait of Hormuz or have alternate routes.
Still, global energy markets could feel the heat. Analysts warn that rising tensions in the region may push oil prices up, possibly hitting $80 per barrel in the short term.
