What is the common examiner trap about Intl. Relations in UPSC exams?

Examiners may ask about the percentage of India's oil imports from the Gulf (which is 35% for crude oil) but provide options that include the higher figures for LPG (90%) or LNG (40%) as distractors. They may also confuse the Strait of Hormuz with other chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca or the Bab-el-Mandeb.

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Intl. Relations for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: India's 2025 energy import dependency on Persian Gulf: ~90% LPG, 40% LNG, 35% Crude Oil. 2. Target this Nodal Body: The Strait of Hormuz as a critical global chokepoint for energy security. 3. Target this Historical Point: The 'Tanker War' of the 1980s as a historical precedent for attacks on shipping in the Persian Gulf.

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Strait of Hormuz Closure Threatens India's Energy Security: 90% LPG, 40% LNG, 35% Crude Oil from Persian Gulf (2025)

Q: Which of the following is the world's most critical maritime chokepoint for oil transportation, as highlighted in the article?

Strait of Hormuz, The article explicitly focuses on the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a vital artery through which close to a quarter of the world's supply of oil and gas passes. This makes it the most critical chokepoint in the context of the news.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding India's energy imports as per the article: 1. In 2025, around 90% of India's LPG imports came from the Persian Gulf region. 2. India's import dependency on the Persian Gulf for crude oil was higher than its dependency for LNG in 2025. 3. The article mentions that Saudi Arabia can divert a substantial quantity of LPG via an on-land pipeline to mitigate Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Only 1, Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; India's dependency for crude oil (35%) was lower than for LNG (40%) in 2025. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states Saudi Arabia can divert crude oil via pipeline, but specifically notes that for LPG and LNG, such diversion possibilities are non-existent.

Q: According to the article, approximately what percentage of the world's supply of oil and gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz?

About 25%, The article explicitly states: 'close to a quarter of the world's supply of oil and gas passes through it.' A quarter equates to 25%.

Q: What is the primary reason cited in the article for the limited immediate alternatives to mitigate disruption of energy flow via the Strait of Hormuz?

The cryogenic nature of LPG and LNG and lack of alternative pipeline routes., The article directly states: 'In case of LPG and LNG even such diversion possibilities are non-existent due to the cryogenic nature of these commodities and the consequent lack of alternative pipeline routes.' This is the primary technical constraint mentioned.

Intl. Relations Economy Security & DefenceHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingPrelims HighMains Medium

01 Mar 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:~90% of India's LPG from Persian Gulf (2025)~40% of India's LNG from Persian Gulf (2025)~35% of India's crude oil from Persian Gulf (2025)~25% of world's oil & gas via Strait of Hormuz

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~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy artery, handling ~25% of world's oil and gas, and is currently blocked due to conflict, halting all energy exports from the Persian Gulf.

2.India's energy dependency on the Persian Gulf is massive: ~90% of LPG, 40% of LNG, and 35% of crude oil imports came from the region in 2025.

3.The situation echoes the 1980s 'Tanker War' but differs in context; the key for energy security is restoring confidence in safe navigation, likely through a ceasefire or political resolution in Iran.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

A military conflict in the Persian Gulf has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint through which India sources 90% of its LPG, 40% of LNG, and 35% of crude oil. While India has strategic stockpiles, a prolonged blockade would spike global energy prices and threaten national energy security.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

India's LPG from Persian Gulf (2025)Around 90%

India's LNG from Persian Gulf (2025)Around 40%

India's Crude Oil from Persian Gulf (2025)Around 35%

Global Oil & Gas via Strait of HormuzClose to a quarter (25%)

Historical PrecedentTanker War (1984-88)

1-Minute Revision

›India's LPG from Persian Gulf (2025): Around 90%
›India's LNG from Persian Gulf (2025): Around 40%
›Target this Data: India's 2025 energy import dependency on Persian Gulf: ~90% LPG, 40% LNG, 35% Crude Oil.
›Target this Nodal Body: The Strait of Hormuz as a critical global chokepoint for energy security.
›Target this Historical Point: The 'Tanker War' of the 1980s as a historical precedent for attacks on shipping in the Persian Gulf.

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News Snapshot

⚠️

Critical Chokepoint

The Strait of Hormuz, handling ~25% of global oil and gas, is currently closed, directly threatening India's energy supplies.

📊

High Dependency

India relies on the Persian Gulf for ~90% of its LPG, 40% of its LNG, and 35% of its crude oil imports.

🛢️

Limited Alternatives

There are no immediate alternatives for LPG/LNG flow; Saudi Arabia can divert some crude via the Petroline pipeline to Yanbu on the Red Sea.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important maritime oil transit chokepoint, connecting Persian Gulf oil producers to global markets. India's energy security is intricately linked to this waterway, with the Persian Gulf being its primary supplier of LPG, LNG, and crude oil. The current closure follows military operations and Iranian advisories, highlighting the geopolitical fragility of India's energy supply chains.

Core Analysis & Implications

The immediate halt of shipping through the Strait has severe implications. While India maintains strategic stockpiles for several weeks, a prolonged closure would lead to physical scarcity and significant price spikes, impacting inflation and the economy. The conflict also disrupts Saudi Arabia's ability to export via its main port, Ras Tanura, and the alternative Petroline pipeline to Yanbu faces its own threats from groups like the Houthis, limiting diversion options.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

The restoration of safe navigation is the top priority. This hinges on political developments within Iran and a potential ceasefire. In the long term, this crisis underscores the need for India to diversify its energy sources, invest in strategic reserves, and develop alternative trade routes. The analyst suggests that the global economy cannot tolerate a long-term closure, implying international pressure for a resolution will be significant.

Historical Parallels & Differences

The 'Tanker War' (1984-88) during the Iran-Iraq war saw over 400 ships attacked but ultimately little disruption to oil flow due to international military escort. The current conflict differs in adversary capabilities and technological context, but the precedent shows that global powers have historically intervened to keep the Strait open, a likely scenario if the closure persists.

Key Facts at a Glance

India's LPG from Persian Gulf (2025)Around 90%

India's LNG from Persian Gulf (2025)Around 40%

India's Crude Oil from Persian Gulf (2025)Around 35%

Global Oil & Gas via Strait of HormuzClose to a quarter (25%)

Historical PrecedentTanker War (1984-88)

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Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, Banking

Which of the following is the world's most critical maritime chokepoint for oil transportation, as highlighted in the article?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding India's energy imports as per the article:

1. In 2025, around 90% of India's LPG imports came from the Persian Gulf region.

2. India's import dependency on the Persian Gulf for crude oil was higher than its dependency for LNG in 2025.

3. The article mentions that Saudi Arabia can divert a substantial quantity of LPG via an on-land pipeline to mitigate Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

According to the article, approximately what percentage of the world's supply of oil and gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC

What is the primary reason cited in the article for the limited immediate alternatives to mitigate disruption of energy flow via the Strait of Hormuz?

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Strait of Hormuz Closure Threatens India's Energy Security: 90% LPG, 40% LNG, 35% Crude Oil from Persian Gulf (2025)

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Critical Chokepoint

High Dependency

Limited Alternatives

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Historical Parallels & Differences

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance