Why in the News?
- The ongoing West Asia conflict has exposed the vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Gulf countries to build alternative energy routes.
Strait of Hormuz
- Located between: Iran and Oman
- Connects: Persian Gulf to Arabian Sea
- Handles: About 20% of global oil and LNG trade
What Happened
- Conflict led to: Severe disruption of shipping
- Demonstrated: Iran’s ability to block the chokepoint
- Triggered: Global energy concerns
Why It Matters
1. Global Energy Security
- Disruption affects: Oil supply and LNG supply
- Leads to: Price spikes
2. Strategic Vulnerability
- Overdependence on a single chokepoint
- Risk to global supply chains
Gulf Countries’ Response
1. Pipeline Expansion
- Aim: Bypass Hormuz
- Reduce maritime dependence
2. Port Diversification
- Increase exports via the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Mediterranean routes
3. Regional Cooperation
- Even rival countries: Collaborating for energy security
Key Pipelines (Important)
Operational
- Saudi East–West Pipeline: From Persian Gulf to Red Sea (Yanbu)
- Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (ADCOP): From Habshan to Fujairah (bypasses Hormuz)
Potential / Revival Projects
- Iraq–Turkey Pipeline (Kirkuk–Ceyhan)
- Basra–Aqaba Pipeline (Iraq–Jordan)
- Iraqi Pipeline through Saudi Arabia (IPSA)
- Trans-Arabian Pipeline
| [2024] Consider the following statements: 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 [2018] Consider the following pairs : Towns sometimes mentioned in news Country 1. Aleppo: Syria 2. Kirkuk: Yemen 3. Mosul: Palestine 4. Mazar-i-sharif: Afghanistan Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? [A] 1 and 2 [B] 1 and 4 [C] 2 and3 [D] 3 and 4 |
