Why in the News?
Iran has seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, with 18 crew members from India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on board, citing illegal fuel smuggling.
Key Details of the Incident
• Seizure carried out by Iranian forces off the Sea of Oman coast
• Reported by Fars News Agency
• Vessel was allegedly carrying six million litres of contraband diesel fuel
• The tanker had disabled its navigation systems
• Action linked to enforcement against fuel smuggling operations
Iran and Fuel Smuggling
• Retail fuel prices in Iran are among the lowest globally
• Creates strong incentives for cross border fuel smuggling
• Iranian authorities frequently intercept vessels accused of illegal fuel transport in the Gulf region
Regional and International Context
• Iran seized another tanker last month for unauthorised cargo
• Iran denied that the seizure was retaliatory
• The incident follows a recent US seizure of an oil tanker near Venezuela
• The US alleged that the ship was transporting oil linked to Iran and Venezuela
US Sanctions Angle
• US Treasury imposed sanctions on Venezuela in 2022
• Sanctions linked to alleged ties with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC and Hezbollah
Prelims Pointers
• Gulf of Oman connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz
• Region is strategically vital for global energy trade
• Fuel smuggling is common in regions with subsidised energy prices
• Maritime seizures often have geopolitical and security implications
• Crew nationality issues raise consular and diplomatic concerns
| Consider the following statements: (2024)
Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe. Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct |
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