China has warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses serious energy security risks, urging all sides in the escalating Middle East conflict to safeguard oil and gas shipping through one of the world’s most critical power and fuel corridors.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic energy chokepoint linking the Gulf’s oil and gas producers to global markets. Nearly a quarter of the world’s seaborne crude oil and a substantial share of liquefied natural gas exports pass through the narrow waterway each day. Any sustained disruption could tighten global fuel supplies, drive up electricity generation costs and increase pressure on industrial output worldwide.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared the strait closed on Saturday amid heightened military tensions in the region. Following the announcement, several international shipping companies paused transit through the corridor, raising immediate concerns over crude deliveries from major producers including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq.
At a regular press briefing on Tuesday, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing was closely monitoring developments. “China urges all parties to immediately cease military operations, avoid further escalation of tensions, maintain the safety of shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, and prevent a greater impact on the global economy,” she stated.
China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil, and the majority of its imports from Iran move through the Strait of Hormuz. Disruption to the route would directly affect refinery operations, fuel supply chains and broader power sector stability across Asia.
“Energy security is of great importance to the global economy. China will take necessary measures to ensure its energy security,” Mao Ning added, signalling that Beijing may activate contingency planning, including diversified sourcing and strategic reserves, if instability persists.
Energy analysts warn that prolonged closure or restricted navigation could trigger sharp price volatility in global oil benchmarks, increase shipping insurance premiums and disrupt liquefied natural gas cargo schedules. Higher import costs would have knock-on effects for electricity generation, transport fuels and manufacturing sectors dependent on stable energy inputs.
The Strait of Hormuz has long been recognised by policymakers as a critical vulnerability in the global energy system. China’s statement reflects broader concerns among major importing nations that military escalation in the Gulf could destabilise both oil markets and international power supply chains.
.jpg "LPG cylinder price reduced to Tk1,885 in Bangladesh")