Agencies Warn of Summer Fuel Shortages if Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed

International monitoring agencies have cautioned that global energy markets face acute fuel shortages this summer if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to commercial shipping. The warning highlights the extreme vulnerability of energy supply chains to disruptions at the world's most critical maritime chokepoint. Strategic Importance of the Waterway The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Oman and Iran, serves as the primary conduit for oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Arabian Gulf. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), approximately 21 million barrels of oil per day—representing nearly 20% of global petroleum consumption—pass through this narrow waterway. It remains the only exit for massive volumes of crude from major regional producers. Summer Demand and Supply Risks The timing of the potential shortage is particularly sensitive as global energy demand typically surges during the summer months. This period is characterized by increased electricity requirements for cooling in the Middle East and a rise in transportation fuel consumption across the Northern Hemisphere. Analysts suggest that a sustained closure would leave global…