The Strait of Hormuz—a narrow stretch of water between Iran and Oman—is once again at the center of global oil market anxiety. After Iran’s Parliament recently approved a proposal to shut the strategic chokepoint, concerns are mounting about its impact on oil prices and energy security around the world, especially for oil-import-heavy economies like India.
In this blog, we break down:
The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s current stance and global reactions
The ripple effects on oil prices
Specific consequences for India
What might happen next
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. Around 20% of the world’s crude oil (about 20 million barrels daily) flows through this passage. This includes oil from major producers like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE.
Iran’s Parliament recently approved a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. While the final decision rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the announcement alone has already pushed Brent crude prices to a five-month high.
Two supertankers reportedly made abrupt course changes after the airstrikes, reflecting growing uncertainty and safety concerns in the shipping industry.
Takeaway: While the closure hasn’t happened yet, the mere threat has rattled markets.
Historically, Iran has never completely shut the strait—even during severe conflicts like the Iran-Iraq war or U.S. sanctions. Here’s why:
Self-Harm: Iran exports its own oil through the strait. Blocking it would damage its economy.
Chinese Interests: China is Iran’s biggest oil customer and would be negatively impacted.
Global Backlash: Any physical blockade could trigger military intervention or international sanctions.
Still, Iran has used the threat of closure as a geopolitical tool many times, so this move could be posturing rather than a serious attempt.
Let’s explore how a partial or complete disruption could shake up global markets.
India imports over 80% of its crude oil needs. Any disruption in supply or surge in prices hits hard.
Rising Fuel Prices: Petrol and diesel could get significantly more expensive.
Inflation Spike: Higher fuel costs mean increased transportation costs, affecting food and goods.
Widening Fiscal Deficit: Government subsidies on fuel may rise, straining the budget.
Airlines: Jet fuel costs rise, squeezing already thin profit margins.
Manufacturing: Higher input and transportation costs reduce competitiveness.
Transport & Logistics: Increased freight costs can slow down domestic commerce.
Expert Insight: "Closure of Hormuz will harm Iran and China more than anyone else," says VK Vijayakumar, Geojit Financial Services. "Historically, it’s always been a threat, not a reality."
Strategic Oil Reserves: Countries like India, the U.S., and China have strategic reserves to cushion temporary supply shocks.
Diplomatic Channels: The U.S., China, and EU are likely to push for de-escalation.
Shipping Insurance Hike: Insurance costs for oil tankers in the region are already climbing.
Takeaway: Governments are preparing for disruption, but long-term closure would need coordinated global action.
Some pipelines bypass Hormuz, but they can’t fully substitute the strait’s volume.
That’s a total of ~6.8 million barrels/day, compared to the 20 million passing through Hormuz. Clearly, not enough.
Hedge against fuel volatility through future contracts.
Optimize logistics to reduce fuel usage.
Monitor supply chains for cost-push inflation triggers.
Expect higher fuel prices in the short term.
Track inflation-sensitive purchases and make cost-conscious choices.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategic oil chokepoints. Iran’s proposal to close it has shaken oil markets and raised big questions about global energy security. But a full blockade still seems unlikely given the economic and geopolitical downsides—especially for Iran itself.
Read also: Sam Altman Alleges Meta Offered $100 Million Bonuses to Lure OpenAI Talent