The Strait of Hormuz, explained
Why one narrow waterway keeps showing up in so many headlines.
By the Dispatch desk · 25 Oct 2026 · 3 min read
Draft: AI-assisted summary of the reports below, pending editor review. Facts are as reported on the dates shown and may have changed.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage between Iran and Oman that links the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Around one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes through it, according to News Arena.
Why it matters to India
News Arena reports that around 60 per cent of India's crude imports pass through the strait. India also imports most of the oil it uses: Equentis cites government data putting import dependency at about 88.7 per cent in 2025-26.
What disruption does
When ships are attacked or a closure is feared, traders price in lost supply and costlier shipping, and oil prices jump. The Free Press Journal reported that Brent crude crossed $102 a barrel on 8 October 2026 after tanker attacks and rising tension involving Iran.
Our view
Hormuz is a chokepoint, not a country. That is why news about mines, tankers and insurance can change fuel prices thousands of kilometres away.