Which strait is the world's most important oil transit chokepoint?

The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important oil transit chokepoint.

This narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, lying between Iran and Oman. It is the maritime gateway for exports from major producers including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Because so much oil must pass through this route, any closure, attack or shipping disruption can affect global prices.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that about 21 million barrels per day of oil flowed through Hormuz in 2018—roughly 21% of global petroleum-liquids consumption. More recent flows vary with production, sanctions and market conditions, but the strait remains central to energy security.

A common mix-up is to name the Strait of Malacca. Malacca is also a major chokepoint and is crucial for Asian trade, while Bab-el-Mandeb and the Suez Canal connect other important routes. Hormuz is the standout answer because of the scale of oil exports leaving the Persian Gulf.