Barely wider than a simple maritime corridor, the Strait of Ormuz alone concentrates an immense part of the global energy trade. And each threat of closure causes lively debates on the markets oilmen
Located between the coasts of Oman and Iran. The Strait of Ormuz is a narrow strip of water 50 km wide. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman then leading to the Arabian Sea and to international trade routes. This is a real point by which approximately transit 20% of global consumption of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
A vital passing point for oil and gas
The great energy powers of the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq)all members of OPEC, pass almost all of their exports there. Qatar, for its part, sends the largest amount of LNG in the world
In 2024, more than 84% of petroleum and 83% of the gas transitting by the Strait were transported to Asia. In particular China, India, Japan and South Korea, which represent almost 70% of demand together. These countries, with strong growth and large energy consumers, are therefore Directly dependent on the stability of this maritime area.
A possible closure? Geopolitical threat
The recent threat to closure of the Strait of Ormuz by Iran, in response to Israeli and American strikes, recalls how this maritime route is A pressure lever in geopolitical conflicts. Although the supreme Iranian national security council did not follow up on the symbolic vote of the Iranian parliament last Sunday. The simple fact of considering this action was enough to react the markets.
Iran is not at its first try. Already in 2011, the former vice-president had threatened to block the strait if the economic sanctions against the country were not lifted. But never, this threat has been carried out. Especially because it would have significant consequences for the regional economy including that of Iran.
🚨🇮🇷🛢️ Info alert – The Iranian Parliament approves the closure of the Strait of Ormuz, one of the most important crossing points in the world for the oil trade. However, the final decision has not yet been taken by the Iranian high command. (Al Arabiya) pic.twitter.com/rypym1preo
– Alertsinfos (@Alestinfos) June 22, 2025
However, analysts believe that if the closure should occur. The price of a barrel of oil could increase by $ 40, reaching up to $ 120. An impact that would affect Asia not only, but also Europe. Continent already weakened by the energy crisis after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Global repercussions
Although the European Union is not the first client of Gulf oil, it remains vulnerable to variations in global captures. Since 2022, the share of Russian gas in its imports has dropped considerably, Going from 41% to 18%, leading Europe to diversify its sources to Norway, the United States, Qatar or Algeria. A brutal price increase would therefore directly affect economic competitiveness and purchasing power over the contained.
The Strait of Ormuz is much more than a simple maritime passage. Its stability remains a strategic priority for large powers, and at each tension around its waters is scrutinized with the greatest attention.
