03/30/2026
The Strait of Hormuz is currently a hotspot for Iran’s oil exports. Since late February 2026, Iran has shipped over 11 million barrels through this narrow waterway, mainly headed for China. China’s the main buyer, with vessels often claiming Chinese ownership or crew to avoid Iranian hostility.
Pakistan’s Karachi tanker transited on March 15, breaking some norms, while Indian LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi passed through around March 13–14 after diplomatic negotiations. These ships are allowed under strict protocols, but vessels linked to the US, Israel, or allies are blocked.
Iran controls the passage heavily. Ships must follow strict guidelines, avoid hostility, and navigate carefully under Iranian oversight. Since the conflict began, only about 90 ships have successfully transited—an extremely small number compared to pre-conflict levels. The risk of attack or detention is high, and Iran’s leverage here is enormous.
Bottom line: China gets the majority of Iran’s oil, India and Pakistan sneak through under diplomatic cover, and global oil supply remains vulnerable. Iran’s geopolitical power is reshaping energy routes, and the threat of conflict hangs over every ship moving through the strait.
Share if you see the bigger picture. This isn’t just about oil—it's about control, influence, and global stability hanging by a thread.