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Dasha Mata Festival: A Sacred Tradition of Faith, Protection and Family Well-Being

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The festival of Dasha Mata holds deep cultural and religious significance in many parts of western and central India, especially in Rajasthan. Celebrated during the Hindu month of Chaitra, the festival usually begins on the tenth day (Dashami) of the Krishna Paksha and continues for ten days. It is primarily observed by married women who pray for the well-being, prosperity, and long life of their husbands and families.

Dasha Mata is worshipped as a protective mother goddess who safeguards households from misfortune and adversity. The rituals of the festival reflect devotion, discipline, and the belief that sincere prayers bring harmony and stability to family life.

The Story Behind Dasha Mata


According to traditional folklore, the festival is linked to a story of a devoted woman who worshipped Dasha Mata with great faith. It is believed that her devotion helped remove the negative effects of the “ten forms of misfortune” or difficulties that may affect a household.

Another popular belief connects the worship of Dasha Mata with maintaining balance and protection from planetary influences and hardships. Through prayer, fasting, and ritual observances, devotees seek the blessings of the goddess for prosperity and protection.

Rituals and Worship Practices

The observance of the festival typically lasts ten days, during which women perform daily rituals. A sacred thread with ten knots, known as the Dasha Mata thread, is an important part of the worship. This thread symbolizes protection from ten kinds of troubles and is either worn by the devotee or tied near the place of worship.
Women create a small shrine on a wall or near a sacred spot in the house, often drawing or installing an image of Dasha Mata. Offerings of flowers, incense, water, and traditional food are made while devotional songs and stories related to the goddess are recited.

Food and Fasting Traditions

Many women observe fasts or partial fasts during the ten days of worship. Simple and traditional foods are prepared and offered to the goddess. In several communities, devotees consume satvik meals and avoid certain foods during the observance period.
The final day of the festival is often marked by special offerings and the distribution of prasad among family members and neighbours.

Regions Where the Festival is Celebrated

The Dasha Mata festival is mainly celebrated in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. In Rajasthan in particular, the festival forms an important part of local traditions and community life, with women gathering together to perform prayers and rituals.

A Celebration of Faith and Family Bonds

Beyond its religious rituals, the festival of Dasha Mata reflects the importance of devotion, patience, and family unity in Indian culture. Through ten days of worship and prayer, devotees express gratitude and seek the blessings of the goddess for peace, prosperity, and protection for their loved ones.

Asansol in West Bengal Is Known as the ‘Land of Black Diamond’. Know Why?

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India has many cities that are known by unique nicknames linked to their history, culture, or natural resources. One such city is Asansol in West Bengal, which is popularly known as the “Land of Black Diamond.” The name comes from the region’s vast coal reserves that have played a major role in shaping its economy, industry, and urban development.

What Does “Land of Black Diamond” Mean?

The term “black diamond” refers to coal, a valuable natural resource that fuels industries and power plants. Regions rich in coal deposits often become centres of industrial growth, infrastructure development, and employment opportunities. Because of its extensive coalfields, Asansol earned the nickname “Land of Black Diamond.”

Why Is Asansol Called the Land of Black Diamond?

Asansol’s reputation is closely linked to the nearby Raniganj Coalfield, one of India’s oldest coal mining regions. These coal reserves have significantly influenced the city’s history and development, turning it into an important hub for mining and industrial activity in eastern India.

Industrial Significance

Coal-rich regions like Asansol have historically driven industrial expansion. The availability of coal encouraged the establishment of industries, rail networks, and urban settlements in and around the city. As a result, Asansol became a key industrial centre in eastern India.

Coal Bed Methane Potential

According to the Government of West Bengal, the Raniganj coal reserves also have strong Coal Bed Methane (CBM) potential. The region is estimated to produce around 12 million cubic metres of methane per day, highlighting its importance as a future energy resource.

City Overview

Asansol is the second-largest city in West Bengal and serves as the headquarters of Paschim Bardhaman district. The city is well known for its extensive coal mines and its role in supporting the mining and energy sectors.

Economic Impact

Coal mining has played a crucial role in transforming the local economy. It has generated employment, encouraged infrastructure development, and supported several industries in the region. The growth of mining activities also helped the city evolve into a major industrial hub.

Legacy and Importance

The nickname “Land of Black Diamond” is more than just a title. It represents Asansol’s deep connection with coal mining and its contribution to India’s industrial and economic development.

With its rich coal reserves, industrial base, and historical significance, Asansol stands as a prime example of how natural resources can shape a city’s identity and growth.

Dandi March: When a Handful of Salt Shook the British Empire Covering 390-KM Distance

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Dandi March: On March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi began one of the most remarkable acts of peaceful protest in modern history — the Dandi March, also known as the Salt March. Starting from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gandhi and 78 carefully selected volunteers set out on a 390-kilometre journey to the coastal village of Dandi. The march lasted 24 days and ended on April 6, when Gandhi symbolically broke the British salt law by picking up a handful of salt from the seashore.

At the time, the British colonial government had imposed a strict monopoly on salt production and levied heavy taxes on it. Indians were not allowed to produce or sell their own salt, even though it was an essential item used by every household. Gandhi deliberately chose salt as the symbol of protest because it affected both the rich and the poor alike. By challenging the salt law, he aimed to unite Indians against colonial economic injustice.

As the march progressed through villages, thousands of people gathered along the route to support the movement. The act soon sparked a nationwide wave of civil disobedience. Indians across the country began making salt illegally, boycotting British goods, and participating in protests against colonial policies. Prominent leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Sarojini Naidu and C. Rajagopalachari played significant roles in expanding the movement. Eventually, tens of thousands of people, including Gandhi himself, were arrested by the British authorities.

The Salt March became a turning point in India’s freedom struggle, drawing international attention to the cause of Indian independence and demonstrating the strength of non-violent resistance.

More than nine decades later, the legacy of the Dandi March continues to resonate. In a world still grappling with social injustice, environmental crises and economic inequality, Gandhi’s strategy reminds us that peaceful collective action and moral courage can challenge even the most powerful systems. The march was not merely about salt — it was about dignity, rights and the power of ordinary people to demand change.

What is LPG and How Is It Produced?

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LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is mainly a mixture of two gases—propane and butane. It is not something that comes directly out of the ground. Instead, LPG is produced as a by-product during the refining of petroleum products.

A simple way to understand a by-product is through an example: when butter is extracted from curd, buttermilk is also produced. In a similar way, LPG is generated during the process of refining petroleum products.

Two Main Ways LPG Is Produced

1. From Oil and Gas Wells

When natural gas or crude oil is extracted from underground, gases like propane and butane also come out along with them. These gases are separated and refined to produce LPG. More than half of the world’s LPG is produced through this method.

2. In Oil Refineries

When crude oil is heated in refineries to produce fuels such as petrol, diesel, and kerosene, certain gases rise to the top during the process. These gases are collected and processed to produce LPG.

In India, this process takes place in refineries operated by companies such as Reliance Industries (Jamnagar refinery), Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum.

Once the gas is produced, it is filled into cylinders under high pressure. The pressure forces the gas molecules close together, turning the gas into a liquid form. This allows a larger amount of LPG to be stored in a small space.

Key Characteristics of LPG

When LPG burns, it does not produce smoke like wood or coal, although it does release carbon dioxide. LPG is heavier than air, so if it leaks, it settles near the ground instead of rising upward.

For safety reasons, LPG cylinders contain a chemical called ethyl mercaptan in addition to propane and butane. These gases naturally have no color or smell, so ethyl mercaptan is added to give LPG a strong odor. This helps people detect leaks quickly and prevent accidents.

How Did the Iran Conflict Disrupt LPG Supply to India?

Gas and petroleum products from Gulf countries such as United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait must pass through the Strait of Hormuz to reach India. This waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the open sea and is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.

However, tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel have disrupted shipping in the region. Before the conflict, about 153 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz every day, but this number has dropped to around 13 ships.

On March 11, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in India’s Shipping Ministry, said that 28 Indian-flagged ships are currently in the Persian Gulf. Out of these, 24 ships are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 677 crew members, while four ships are near the strait with 101 Indian sailors on board.

Iran has targeted several Gulf countries in response to American attacks, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Gas production in some facilities has either stopped or been affected. Iran claims that US military bases in these countries are being used to launch attacks against it.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that if US and Israeli attacks continue, not a single litre of oil will be allowed to leave through the Strait of Hormuz.

On March 11, a Thai cargo ship heading toward India was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack caused a fire in the ship’s engine room. The Oman navy rescued 20 out of the 23 crew members, although it remains unclear who carried out the attack.

LPG Crisis in India and Why Are Prices Rising. Know Why Global Conflicts are Hitting Prices and Supply…

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India is facing growing concerns over a possible liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply and price crisis, affecting millions of households and small businesses. LPG is widely used for cooking across urban and rural India, especially under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana launched by Government of India.

The crisis is being driven by a combination of rising global energy prices, supply disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. India imports nearly 60% of its LPG requirements, making domestic prices sensitive to global market fluctuations.

When global crude oil prices rise, the cost of LPG imports also increases, which ultimately impacts consumers.

2. Why Is India Facing an LPG Supply Challenge?

India’s LPG supply chain depends heavily on imports from major energy-producing regions, including the Persian Gulf. Any disruption in shipping routes, refinery output, or geopolitical tensions can affect supplies.

Another factor is the growing domestic demand. With the expansion of LPG connections under government welfare schemes, millions of new households now rely on LPG for cooking.

This rising demand, combined with fluctuating global supply, has created pressure on India’s LPG distribution system.

3. How Global Conflicts and Oil Prices Affect LPG in India

Global tensions in oil-producing regions can significantly impact LPG availability and pricing in India.

For example, instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil and gas exports from the Persian Gulf, can disrupt supply chains. A large share of global energy shipments passes through this narrow waterway.

Any increase in shipping risks, insurance costs, or oil prices due to geopolitical tensions can directly push up LPG prices in India.

4. How Rising LPG Prices Are Affecting Indian Households

Rising LPG prices have a direct impact on household budgets, especially among low- and middle-income families.

For rural households, the cost of LPG cylinders often determines whether they continue using LPG or switch back to traditional fuels such as firewood or coal.

Despite subsidies and welfare programmes like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, affordability remains a key concern for many families.

5. What Is the Government Doing to Address the LPG Crisis?

The Government of India has taken several steps to manage LPG price volatility and ensure supply stability.

These measures include:

  • Subsidies for eligible households
  • Strategic fuel reserves
  • Diversifying LPG import sources
  • Strengthening domestic production and refining capacity

State-run oil companies such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum play a key role in distribution and price management.

6. Can India Reduce Its Dependence on LPG Imports?

Energy experts believe India can reduce its dependence on imported LPG by expanding alternative clean energy options.

Potential solutions include:

  • Biogas and compressed biogas production
  • Electric cooking technologies
  • Expansion of renewable energy infrastructure
  • Increased domestic gas production

Diversifying energy sources could improve energy security and reduce the impact of global price shocks.

7. What Does the Future Hold for LPG Prices in India?

The future of LPG prices in India will largely depend on global oil markets, geopolitical stability, and domestic energy policies.

If international crude oil prices remain volatile, LPG prices may continue to fluctuate. However, government interventions, subsidies, and diversification of energy sources could help stabilise the market.

Ensuring affordable and reliable cooking fuel will remain a key policy priority as India works toward long-term energy security and sustainable development.

What is the Persian Gulf and Why Is It Important?

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The Persian Gulf is one of the most strategically important water bodies in the world. Located in the Middle East, it is a shallow sea that lies between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. The gulf plays a crucial role in global energy supply, international trade, and geopolitics, making it a key region for the world economy.

What is the Persian Gulf?

The Persian Gulf is a marginal sea of the Indian Ocean. It stretches for about 990 kilometres (615 miles) and covers an area of roughly 241,000 square kilometres. The gulf connects to the open ocean through the Strait of Hormuz, which leads to the Gulf of Oman and eventually the Arabian Sea.

The region surrounding the Persian Gulf includes several oil-rich nations and has been a centre of trade and cultural exchange for centuries.

Countries bordering the Persian Gulf

Eight countries share coastlines along the Persian Gulf:

  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Kuwait
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Bahrain
  • Qatar
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Oman

Because of its location between Asia, Africa, and Europe, the Persian Gulf has historically been a major maritime trade route.

Why is the Persian Gulf Important?

1. Global Oil and Gas Hub

The Persian Gulf region contains some of the largest oil and natural gas reserves in the world. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Qatar export massive quantities of energy resources. A large share of the world’s oil supply passes through the gulf every day.

2. Strategic Shipping Route

The Strait of Hormuz, located at the entrance of the Persian Gulf, is one of the most important oil chokepoints in the world. Millions of barrels of crude oil and petroleum products move through this narrow waterway daily, connecting Gulf producers with global markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.

3. Economic Importance

Many Gulf countries depend heavily on oil exports and maritime trade. Major ports and offshore oil terminals in countries such as Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain handle a significant share of global energy shipments.

4. Geopolitical Significance

Due to its vast energy resources and strategic location, the Persian Gulf has been at the centre of several major conflicts, including the Iran–Iraq War, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War. Stability in the region is closely linked to global economic stability.

5. Historical and Cultural Importance

For centuries, the Persian Gulf served as a major trade route connecting the Middle East with India, Africa, and Europe. Historically, the region was known for industries such as fishing, pearl diving, and maritime trade before the discovery of oil in the early 20th century.

Key Geographic Facts About the Persian Gulf

  • Length: About 990 km
  • Maximum width: Around 340 km
  • Average depth: Less than 90 metres
  • Major rivers flowing into the gulf: Tigris River, Euphrates River, and Karun River

Conclusion

The Persian Gulf is one of the most strategically important regions in the world because of its energy resources, shipping routes, and geopolitical influence. As global demand for energy and trade continues to grow, the significance of the Persian Gulf in international economics and politics is likely to remain critical for decades to come.

At AI Impact Summit 2026, Jaipur’s CODE Edu Launches AI-Powered Creative Learning Platform ‘EnCODE’

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Jaipur-based edtech venture CODE – Centre for Originality, Design & Expression (CODE Edu) launched its AI-powered creative learning platform EnCODE at the AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam. The platform has been positioned as a multidisciplinary education ecosystem designed to integrate creativity and cognitive learning into mainstream higher education.

The launch took place amid broader discussions at the summit on the future of education and the skills required for India’s emerging Orange Economy, where creativity, culture, design and technology increasingly intersect.

As part of the launch, CODE Edu hosted a panel discussion titled “Educating for Viksit Bharat: Why Creativity, Cognition & Culture Matter.” The session brought together leaders from government, academia and the technology ecosystem to deliberate on how India’s education system must evolve to prepare the workforce for a rapidly changing global economy.

The panel featured Piyush Nangru, co-founder of Vedam School of Technology at Sunstone; Satya Narayan Meena, Additional CEO of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM); Gyan Prakash Upadhyay, Director General associated with the Ministry of Power; and Ashish Gupta, Senior Associate Professor at South Asian University. The discussion was moderated by Shweta Choudhary, founder and director of CODE Edu.

During the discussion, panelists emphasized that while artificial intelligence will transform industries and workflows, the next generation of talent will require strong creative, cognitive and interdisciplinary capabilities to remain competitive in the global knowledge economy.

The newly launched EnCODE platform aims to address this shift by embedding creative learning pathways within traditional academic education. Through an AI-enabled learning ecosystem, the platform will offer enrichment courses, minor programmes and specialization tracks across creative domains such as fashion design, textile design, interior design, product design, architecture, graphics, communication design, AVGC-XR, VFX, animation and design thinking.

Unlike conventional edtech platforms that typically focus on individual disciplines, EnCODE is designed to bridge academic silos by enabling students from engineering, business, humanities and science backgrounds to integrate creative and design-driven thinking alongside their primary degrees.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Shweta Choudhary said the initiative aims to make creative education more accessible across institutions.

“Artificial intelligence will transform how we work, but human intelligence will define how we innovate. Creativity, cognition, culture and collaboration are the capabilities that will shape the workforce of the future. Through EnCODE, we aim to democratize creative education and make design thinking accessible across disciplines and institutions,” she said.

At the summit, CODE Edu also announced partnerships with Knimbus, Sunstone, CTPL.io (New Age Academy), and Singularis (MEC Connect Oman) to expand interdisciplinary learning opportunities and strengthen institutional collaborations.

The platform is also supported by Adobe and the Interaction Design Foundation, enabling learners to access industry-standard creative tools and global design communities.

With its AI-enabled creative pedagogy and multidisciplinary approach, EnCODE aims to help build a future-ready creative workforce aligned with India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, where innovation, creativity and technology play a central role in economic growth.

Who Is Protecting Iran’s New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei? Inside the Secretive NOPO Force

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Following the assassination of Iran’s long-time Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in reported US–Israel strikes, security around his successor Mojtaba Khamenei has been significantly tightened.

Iranian authorities have reportedly deployed one of the country’s most secretive and elite security units — the Counterterrorism Special Force, commonly known as NOPO — to protect the new leader amid continuing threats from the United States and Israel.

Mojtaba Khamenei’s security heightened

The 56-year-old cleric was elevated to the top leadership position by the Assembly of Experts on March 8. Since the early days of the conflict, he has remained largely out of public view.

Some reports suggest he may have been injured during the initial airstrikes that killed several senior Iranian military figures and members of his family, though Iranian authorities have denied the claims.

According to media reports citing Iranian sources, Mojtaba is currently believed to be in a highly secure location with restricted communications while the conflict continues.

Elite counterterror force deployed

Iran has reportedly assigned the protection of its new leader to NOPO, a specialised counterterrorism unit known for handling high-risk operations such as hostage rescues and tactical missions.

The deployment reportedly occurred shortly after the assassination of Ali Khamenei during the strikes on February 28.

Ali Safavi of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran told Fox News Digital that NOPO has now been tasked with securing Mojtaba Khamenei.

He noted that the unit typically conducts complex counterterror operations rather than personal protection duties.

What is NOPO?

NOPO was established in 1991 and operates as a specialised police force within Iran’s internal security structure. Although the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps plays a central role in national defence, NOPO functions separately and focuses on high-risk tactical missions.

The force is relatively small but highly trained. It reportedly consists of six brigades — four based in Tehran and one each in Mashhad and Isfahan.

Security analysts say the unit is considered one of the most capable and heavily trained forces in Iran’s law-enforcement system.

Recruitment and training

Entry into NOPO is highly selective. Candidates are typically recruited from other special police units after rigorous screening that assesses physical fitness, intelligence and psychological stability.

Once selected, recruits undergo extensive tactical training including martial arts, urban combat, parkour-style mobility techniques, airborne operations and maritime training such as diving and water-based missions.

Role in internal security

Apart from counterterror operations, the force has also reportedly been deployed to maintain internal security during periods of unrest.

NOPO has been linked to crackdowns on protests, including demonstrations that followed the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 and other economic protests in recent years.

The United States Treasury Department sanctioned the unit in 2021, accusing it of involvement in serious human rights abuses.

Uncertainty over Mojtaba Khamenei’s whereabouts

Despite his appointment earlier this month, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly. Iranian state media has referred to him as a “wounded veteran”, a phrase that has fuelled speculation about his health.

While some international reports suggest he may have suffered injuries in the initial strikes, Iranian officials insist that the country’s new supreme leader is safe.

For now, his exact location remains undisclosed as tensions with the United States and Israel persist and Iran tightens security around its leadership.

Supreme Court’s First Passive Euthanasia Order on Harish Rana Rekindles Debate on ‘Right to Die with Dignity’

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In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India recently permitted passive euthanasia for a man who had remained in a persistent vegetative state for over 13 years, marking one of the first practical applications of India’s euthanasia framework. The patient, Harish Rana, had suffered severe brain injuries after a fall in 2013 and had since been dependent on life-support systems with little hope of recovery. After medical evaluation and a legal review, the court allowed the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, emphasising the constitutional principle of the “right to die with dignity.”

The ruling is significant because it operationalises legal principles laid down earlier by the Supreme Court on passive euthanasia. It also brings renewed attention to the ethical, legal and medical debates surrounding end-of-life decisions in India.

What is Passive Euthanasia?

Euthanasia broadly refers to intentionally ending a person’s life to relieve suffering. In legal and medical discussions, a distinction is made between active and passive euthanasia.

Active euthanasia involves deliberately administering a substance or action that causes death, such as a lethal injection. This remains illegal in India.

Passive euthanasia, on the other hand, involves withholding or withdrawing life-support treatment, allowing the patient to die naturally when recovery is medically impossible.

Passive euthanasia is allowed under strict conditions, particularly in cases where patients are terminally ill or in a permanent vegetative state.

The Legal Journey of Euthanasia in India

The debate over euthanasia in India entered the legal arena prominently with the case of Aruna Shanbaug case in 2011. Shanbaug, a nurse who had been in a vegetative state for decades after a brutal assault in 1973, became the face of the national debate. Although the Supreme Court rejected the plea to end her life, it issued guidelines that legalised passive euthanasia under certain circumstances, requiring medical board review and judicial oversight.

The issue evolved further with the 2018 judgement in Common Cause v. Union of India. In this case, the Supreme Court recognised that the right to die with dignity is part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court also introduced the concept of a “living will” or advance medical directive, allowing individuals to specify that they do not wish to receive life-prolonging treatment if they become terminally ill or incapacitated.

Later, in 2023, the court simplified procedures for implementing such directives to make end-of-life decisions more practical for families and doctors.

Ethical and Social Debates

Despite legal clarity, euthanasia continues to raise complex ethical questions. Supporters argue that it respects personal autonomy and prevents prolonged suffering when medical recovery is impossible. Critics, however, warn about potential misuse, pressure on vulnerable patients, and the moral implications of allowing death through medical decisions.

Religious beliefs, cultural attitudes toward life and death, and concerns about healthcare infrastructure also shape the debate in India.

A Continuing Conversation

The latest Supreme Court order is likely to reignite discussions on whether India should enact a comprehensive law governing euthanasia rather than relying primarily on judicial guidelines. As medical technology advances and life can be prolonged artificially for years, society is increasingly confronted with difficult questions: Should life always be preserved at any cost, or does dignity sometimes lie in allowing a natural death?

For now, the judiciary continues to navigate this delicate balance between the sanctity of life and the right to die with dignity.

Strait of Hormuz: What Happens if Iran Shuts the Global Oil Corridor?

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Tensions in the Middle East have raised fresh concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil shipping route. Recent incidents involving damaged vessels and military activity in the region have highlighted the vulnerability of the narrow corridor through which a significant portion of global energy supplies passes.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, three ships were struck by “unknown projectiles” in the strait. One commercial vessel was damaged off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, while another vessel north of Oman was evacuated after a fire broke out. A third ship was also reported damaged at an undisclosed location on March 11.

Meanwhile, the United States military said it had eliminated 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels in the waterway.

A Vital Global Oil Route

The Strait of Hormuz is widely regarded as the world’s most important oil transit chokepoint. Bordered by Iran to the north and Oman and the UAE to the south, the passage connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea.

Although roughly 50 km wide at its entrance and exit, the strait narrows to about 33 km at its tightest point. Despite its narrow size, it is deep enough for the world’s largest oil tankers.

According to estimates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, around 20 million barrels of oil pass through the strait daily, representing nearly 20 percent of global oil supply and about $600 billion worth of energy trade annually.

The oil originates not only from Iran but also major Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.

Global Economic Impact

About 3,000 ships typically transit the strait each month. However, escalating tensions have significantly reduced maritime traffic and pushed oil prices higher.

Analysts warn that prolonged threats to shipping could sharply raise oil prices and global transportation costs. The cost of chartering a supertanker to ship oil from the Middle East to China has reportedly surged to more than $400,000, nearly double recent levels.

Oil prices recently crossed $100 per barrel amid fears of supply disruption, though prices later stabilised near $90 per barrel.

A closure of the strait would have major consequences for energy-importing economies such as India, China and Japan, which rely heavily on crude shipments from the Gulf.

How Iran Could Block the Strait

Under international law, countries control territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles from their coastlines. At its narrowest point, the shipping lanes of the Strait of Hormuz fall within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman.

Experts say Iran could disrupt traffic by deploying naval mines using fast attack boats or submarines. The country’s naval forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy, also operate anti-ship missiles, submarines and fast attack vessels capable of targeting commercial shipping.

However, such actions would risk military retaliation, particularly from the United States.

Limited Alternative Routes

Over the years, Gulf countries have developed pipelines to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia operates a 1,200-km pipeline capable of transporting about 5 million barrels of crude oil per day, while the UAE has built a pipeline linking its oilfields to the port of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman.

Despite these alternatives, analysts estimate that a full blockade could still reduce global oil supply by 8–10 million barrels per day, potentially triggering major disruptions in energy markets and the global economy.

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