What Is the Strait of Hormuz and Why It Matters for Global Oil
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Riyadh, March 10, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints for global energy supplies, linking the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
The strait lies between Iran and Oman and measures about 21 miles (33 km) at its narrowest point, with shipping lanes just 2 miles (3 km) wide in each direction.
Why the Strait Is Important
Around one-fifth of global oil consumption passes through the strait.
Data from analytics firm Vortexa shows that more than 20 million barrels per day of crude oil, condensate and fuel moved through the waterway on average last year.
Several major producers rely heavily on the route for exports, including:
Saudi Arabia
Iran
United Arab Emirates
Kuwait
Iraq
Most of these exports are shipped primarily to Asian markets.
Qatar, one of the world’s largest exporters of liquefied natural gas, sends almost all of its LNG shipments through the strait.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have recently increased exports as part of contingency planning amid regional tensions.
Both countries have also explored alternative routes to bypass the strait. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, existing Saudi and UAE pipelines could provide about 2.6 million barrels per day of spare capacity to bypass Hormuz if needed.
The United States Fifth Fleet is tasked with protecting commercial shipping in the area.
History of Tensions
The Strait of Hormuz has frequently been at the center of geopolitical tensions.
In 1973, Arab oil producers led by Saudi Arabia imposed an oil embargo on Western countries supporting Israel during its war with Egypt.
During the 1980–1988 Iran–Iraq War, both sides attempted to disrupt oil exports in what became known as the Tanker War.
In 2012, Iran threatened to close the strait in response to U.S. and European sanctions.
Security concerns resurfaced in 2019, when several vessels were attacked near the UAE coast outside the strait, including two Saudi oil tankers.
Iran has also seized several vessels in recent years near or within the waterway, including incidents in 2023 and 2024.
The strategic importance of the strait means that any disruption could have significant consequences for global energy markets and international trade.
