Relevance: GS II (International Relations) & GS III (Energy Security) | Source: International Energy Agency / The hindu

1. What is the Big News?

The ongoing military conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has made the Strait of Hormuz a very dangerous “choke point.”

• Where is it? It is a very narrow sea lane that connects the Persian Gulf to the open ocean (Arabian Sea).
• The Threat: Because of the war, Iran has threatened to block ships here.
• Global Impact: Nearly 20% of the world’s daily oil passes through this tiny gap. Even a small threat here makes global oil prices jump instantly.

2. Why is India Worried?

India is at a higher risk than many other countries because we buy a lot of oil from outside.

• High Dependence: India gets about 50% of its crude oil and a massive 80% of its cooking gas through this single, narrow water route.
• Costly Daily Items (Inflation): If this route is closed, ships will have to take much longer, safer paths. This increases transport costs. Expensive petrol and diesel will directly increase the price of everyday items like vegetables and clothes in India.

3. How is India Protecting Itself?

The Indian government has started changing its plans to stay safe:

• Buying from New Friends: To avoid depending only on the Middle East, India is now buying more oil from countries in Russia, Africa and America.
• Secret Emergency Tanks: India has built Strategic Petroleum Reserves. These are massive, underground rock caverns that hold emergency oil. This will keep the country running even if the sea route is blocked for a few days.
• Moving to Green Energy: This crisis is a loud alarm. It shows exactly why India needs to quickly shift to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and solar power so we don’t have to rely on foreign oil routes anymore.

UPSC Value Box

With reference to global sea routes and India’s energy security, consider the following statements:

1. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf directly to the Red Sea.
2. The Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves are designed to provide backup oil during temporary supply blocks.
3. Oman and Iran are the primary nations that border the Strait of Hormuz.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b)