Images: Shutterstock;
Data: US Energy Information Administration
In the first half of 2025 (1H25), about 76% of the world’s crude oil was transported by sea, which connected major oil-producing regions to global markets.
Source: US Energy Information Administration report
Chokepoints
They are narrow channels along widely used sea routes. They play a critical role in global energy trade and security, as large volumes of oil and natural gas pass through them.
Here are some major maritime chokepoints, based on the volume of oil transported through them in the first half of 2025 (1H25) in million barrels per day (MBD).
Panama Canal*
Volume of oil transported: 2.3 MBD
It connects the Pacific Ocean with the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
*Data for first half of US fiscal year (Oct 1-Sept 30)
Turkish Straits*
Volume transported: 3.7 MBD
More than 45,000 vessels transited the straits in 2024, despite lying half a nautical mile away from the world’s most difficult waterways to navigate.
*Data for the rest of the chokepoints is for the first half of CY25
Bab el-Mandeb
Volume transported: 4.2 MBD
It lies between the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. The Strait, along with the Suez Canal and the SUMED Pipeline, accounted for 6% of total seaborne-traded oil in 1H25.
Representative image
Danish Straits
Volume transported: 4.9 MBD
They are a series of channels that connect the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. In 1H25, the straits facilitated 6% of global maritime trade.
Suez Canal and SUMED Pipeline
Volume transported: 4.9 MBD
The Suez Canal and the SUMED pipeline in Egypt connect the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.
Cape of Good Hope
Volume transported: 9.1 MBD
Shipping companies have been rerouting ships to transit through this chokepoint located at the tip of South Africa due to the recent war in West Asia.
Representative image
Strait of Hormuz
Volume transported: 20.9 MBD
Lying between Iran and Oman, it facilitates the transportation of 20% of global crude exports from the Gulf to the rest of the world.
Strait of Malacca
Volume transported: 23.2 MBD
It links the Indian and Pacific Oceans via the South China Sea. It is the primary chokepoint in Asia and Oceania.
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