By Afiur
March 09, 2026
Rising tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States have once again drawn global attention to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, more than 26% of the world’s seaborne crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
China is the largest destination for crude moving through the Strait of Hormuz. With its massive industrial base and energy demand.
India is the second-largest importer of oil passing through the strait. As one of the fastest-growing major economies, India depends heavily on crude imports from Gulf producers.
South Korea relies on imported oil to power its industries and transportation sector. A large share of its crude purchases comes from Middle Eastern producers.
Japan has very limited domestic energy resources. As a result, it depends on imported oil, much of which is sourced from Gulf countries.
Middle Eastern oil shipped through the strait is still a key resource for Europe.
The United States imports a relatively smaller amount of oil through this route compared to Asian economies.
Beyond the major destinations listed above, several other countries import crude that passes through the strait. Together, these markets account for around 2.6 million barrels per day of shipments.
Because more than a quarter of the world's marine crude oil flows through this narrow path, any disruption here can affect global oil supply and prices.