See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app.
Use This Visualization
Global Energy Flows at Risk in the Strait of Hormuz
See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Key Takeaways
- About 20% of global oil consumption and 20% of LNG trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Nearly 90% of crude and condensate exports through the strait are shipped to Asian markets.
Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil consumption and LNG trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the most critical energy corridors on the planet.
The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman connects the Persian Gulf to global markets, serving as a vital route for oil and gas exports from major producers including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, and Qatar.
Tensions involving Iran have periodically raised concerns about disruptions to traffic through the strait, which could affect global energy markets.
This visualization highlights what moves through the Strait of Hormuz each day—from oil tankers and LNG carriers to the share of global energy consumption dependent on the route. Data comes from Lloyd’s List and the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
How Much Oil Moves Through the Strait of Hormuz?
The table below summarizes the key energy flows that depend on the Strait of Hormuz.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Cargo vessels passing daily | ~100 |
| Global oil consumption via Hormuz | 20% |
| Global seaborne oil trade via Hormuz | 27% |
| Global LNG trade via Hormuz | 20% |
| Crude & condensate sent to Asia | 89% |
| LNG sent to Asia | 83% |
| U.S. crude imports via Hormuz | 7% |
| U.S. petroleum consumption via Hormuz | 2% |
Roughly 100 cargo-carrying vessels pass through the strait on an average day in 2026. Around 60–70% of these vessels are oil tankers and gas carriers, reflecting the region’s dominant role in global energy exports.
In fact, about 20% of global oil consumption moves through the Strait of Hormuz. In terms of maritime trade, the passage accounts for roughly 27% of all seaborne oil shipments worldwide.
LNG Trade Also Relies on the Strait
The Strait of Hormuz is not only critical for oil. Around 20% of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade also travels through this corridor.
Major LNG exporters such as Qatar rely heavily on the strait to ship natural gas to global markets. As demand for LNG rises—especially in Asia and Europe—this shipping route becomes even more important for energy security.
Asia Is the Most Exposed Region
Asia is the region most dependent on energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The region’s heavy reliance reflects its large energy demand and limited domestic oil and gas resources. About 89% of crude oil and condensate passing through the strait is shipped to Asian markets.
Similarly, roughly 83% of LNG exports traveling through the corridor are destined for Asia. Major importers include China, India, Japan, and South Korea.
By contrast, the United States is far less reliant on the route. Only about 7% of U.S. crude imports come through the strait, and roughly 2% of U.S. petroleum liquids consumption depends on these flows.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
If you enjoyed today’s post, check out America’s Hottest Oil State? New Mexico on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.