Energy Security and the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, is the world's single most important oil and gas chokepoint. Approximately 20-21% of global petroleum liquids transit through it daily. India is one of the world's largest LPG importers, sourcing a significant share from the Middle East — particularly from Qatar (LNG and LPG) and from Saudi Arabia and UAE (LPG). Any disruption to Hormuz traffic directly impacts India's import volumes and prices.
- Strait of Hormuz: approximately 33 km wide at its narrowest point; handled approximately 20 million barrels per day of oil in recent years
- India imports approximately 60% of its annual LPG requirement (~31 million tonnes consumption); predominantly from Middle East suppliers
- 2026 West Asia conflict (US-Israel attacks on Iran) triggered the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis, causing sharp spikes in global LPG and crude oil prices
- Iran granted special permission for Indian vessels to transit, reflecting the strategic importance of the India-Iran relationship in energy security
- India has been building strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) at Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur (total capacity ~5.33 million tonnes of crude oil) — but LPG strategic reserves are limited
● Tracked since March 07, 2026 · last seen July 05, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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