Earth revolving around Hormuz: How a 21-mile Strait is shaking world

Camillus Nnaji

Few weeks ago, on February 28, the Middle East was thrown into what many initially expected to be a manageable crisis—but quickly escalated into a full-scale conflict.

The United States and Israel carried out a high-stakes operation against Iran, resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had ruled since 1989.

Reports indicate that dozens of senior commanders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were also eliminated.
In a swift retaliatory move, Iran launched missile strikes against Israeli and American bases in the region.

This escalation occurred amid tense negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. While the U.S. has insisted that Iran cannot be trusted with nuclear capabilities, the military confrontation quickly replaced diplomacy, leading to a 12-day war that obliterated Iran’s advancing nuclear infrastructure.

Today, the entire world feels the repercussions—economically, politically, and diplomatically. At the center of the crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point. This narrow strip handles nearly 20% of the world’s oil exports, 20% of liquefied natural gas (LNG), 30% of global fertilizer exports, and 30% of Europe’s jet fuel supply, amounting to 20.9 million barrels of oil per day.

By shutting down the Strait, Iran has effectively triggered a global economic shock. Even nations not directly involved in the conflict, such as Saudi Arabia, which sends 37% of its oil exports through Hormuz, are bearing the brunt.

Major consumers like China (38%), India (15%), South Korea (12%), and Japan (10%) face immediate supply disruptions. Gas prices in Europe have doubled within 48 hours following Iran’s strike on Qatar’s LNG facilities, which normally supply 20% of Europe’s gas through Hormuz.

Higher shipping costs are quickly translating into rising prices for goods, fueling inflation even in local markets across the globe.

Africa, particularly Nigeria, is feeling the pinch. Already grappling with a fragile economy following the removal of oil subsidies under President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria faces soaring energy costs.

Petrol now sells at N1,350 per liter, while diesel has surged to N1,850 per liter, up from N1,030, pushing daily living costs to unprecedented levels.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, owner of Nigeria’s only functional refinery, warns of further economic pain if the conflict persists.

“The price of this war will be heavy. If the situation does not de-escalate, we will all pay dearly. Energy affects everything—from small businesses like barbing shops to industries running generators. Everyone will feel the impact,” Dangote said.

As the world watches, the tiny 21-mile Strait of Hormuz has proven that even the smallest points on the globe can hold the fate of billions in their hands.