{"id":5841,"date":"2026-03-12T12:03:26","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:03:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalstrategic.ch\/?p=5841"},"modified":"2026-03-12T12:03:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:03:26","slug":"strait-of-hormuz-energy-markets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalstrategic.ch\/en\/strait-of-hormuz-energy-markets\/","title":{"rendered":"Middle East: Four Structural Aspects with Economic Relevance"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#03658c” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column top_padding_desktop=”60″ bottom_padding_desktop=”60″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”advanced” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”20″ top_margin_phone=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”default” font_size_min=”15px” font_size_max=”20px” font_size_desktop=”24px” font_line_height=”1.6″ font_size_phone=”15px” font_size_tablet=”20px” text_direction=”default”]\n

The recent escalation in the Middle East has once again drawn the attention of many market participants to one of the world\u2019s most important maritime trade routes: the Strait of Hormuz<\/strong>. Around 20 million barrels of crude oil<\/strong> pass through this narrow waterway every day\u2014roughly 20% of global seaborne oil trade<\/strong>. In addition, approximately 20% of global LNG shipments<\/strong> also transit this route.<\/p>\n

Given its significance, energy markets react very sensitively to any potential disruptions in the region. Beyond the immediate energy dimension, however, there are several structural aspects<\/strong> that often receive less attention in public discussions but are equally relevant from an economic perspective.<\/p>\n[\/nectar_responsive_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”30″ top_margin_tablet=”30″ top_margin_phone=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”20″ top_margin_phone=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”default” font_size_min=”26px” text_color=”#003554″ font_size_desktop=”1.6vw” font_line_height=”1.1″ text_direction=”default”]\n

Food Supply<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Many countries in the Persian Gulf region have limited agricultural production due to climatic and geographic constraints. As a result, they rely heavily on food imports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A significant portion of these imports is transported via maritime routes in and around the Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged disruption to shipping routes could therefore impact not only energy markets but also regional food supply chains<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”20″ top_margin_phone=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”default” font_size_min=”26px” text_color=”#003554″ font_size_desktop=”1.6vw” font_line_height=”1.1″ text_direction=”default”]\n

Water as a Critical Factor<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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The Gulf states are among the most water-scarce regions in the world<\/strong>. Much of their drinking water supply is secured through seawater desalination plants<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

These facilities are highly energy-intensive, making water supply strongly dependent on stable energy infrastructure<\/strong>. In periods of geopolitical tension, this close link can create additional vulnerabilities\u2014particularly if energy infrastructure or transport routes are disrupted.<\/p>\n <\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”20″ top_margin_phone=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”default” font_size_min=”26px” text_color=”#003554″ font_size_desktop=”1.6vw” font_line_height=”1.1″ text_direction=”default”]\n

Financial Importance of the Region<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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The extensive oil and gas exports of the Gulf states form a central pillar of the petrodollar system<\/strong>. A large share of these revenues is reinvested globally through sovereign wealth funds and international financial markets.<\/p>\n

Disruptions to energy exports could therefore affect not only commodity prices but also global capital flows and financial markets<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”20″ top_margin_phone=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”default” font_size_min=”26px” text_color=”#003554″ font_size_desktop=”1.6vw” font_line_height=”1.1″ text_direction=”default”]\n

Effects Along the Supply Chain<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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Geopolitical tensions influence markets through more than just rising crude oil prices. Costs along the entire supply chain<\/strong> can also increase.<\/p>\n

These may include higher insurance premiums for tankers, rising transportation costs, and additional risk compensation for crews operating in potential conflict zones. At the same time, financing costs may increase as banks demand higher margins in uncertain environments.<\/p>\n

Another factor is that many countries begin to replenish strategic energy reserves<\/strong>, which can generate additional demand.<\/p>\n

Taken together, these dynamics can lead to a situation in which end products such as heating oil or gasoline rise more sharply in price than crude oil alone would suggest<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”20″ top_margin_phone=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”default” font_size_min=”26px” text_color=”#003554″ font_size_desktop=”1.6vw” font_line_height=”1.1″ text_direction=”default”]\n

Assessment
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Against this backdrop, we continue to closely monitor geopolitical developments and their potential economic implications. At the same time, we continuously assess possible consequences for energy prices, supply chains, and capital markets<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In one of our upcoming Investment Updates, we will also outline how we have positioned our various portfolios in response to these developments and which measures we have taken as part of our risk management framework<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

If you would like to receive such insights directly and in a timely manner, we invite you to subscribe to our Investment Update<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Rising tensions in the Middle East have once again drawn attention to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world\u2019s most critical maritime trade routes. Around 20% of global seaborne oil passes through this narrow waterway, making it a key focal point for energy markets, supply chains and geopolitical risk.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":5811,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-5841","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news-en"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalstrategic.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5841","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalstrategic.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalstrategic.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalstrategic.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalstrategic.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5841"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/globalstrategic.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5841\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5842,"href":"https:\/\/globalstrategic.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5841\/revisions\/5842"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalstrategic.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5811"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalstrategic.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5841"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalstrategic.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5841"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalstrategic.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5841"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}