Kharg Island Crisis Explained: UPSC Current Affairs

Description

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Picture Courtesy: THEHINDU

Context

In March 2026, the U.S. conducted targeted airstrikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal in response to regional escalations.

Read all about: The Iran-Israel Conflict & Impact l Israel-Iran Strike Regional Tension l Israel Attack & International Law

About Kharg Island

Location: A coral island in the northern Persian Gulf, situated approximately 25-30 km off the mainland coast of Iran.

Size & Topography: The island is about 8 km long, covering 20 sq. km. Its landscape is dominated by industrial facilities, including large oil storage tanks and an airstrip.

Historical Significance: Historically part of regional trade routes, it was once controlled by Dutch and British forces.

After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the infrastructure, originally developed by the American Oil Company (Amoco), was seized by Iran and developed into its main oil export terminal.

Strategic Importance for Iran and Global Markets

Central Export Hub

The island handles approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports. It is the terminal point for pipelines connecting to major onshore oil fields like Ahvaz, Marun, and Gachsaran.

Deep-Water Port Advantage

Much of Iran's coastline is too shallow for supertankers. Kharg Island's location in deep waters, equipped with specialised jetties, allows Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) to dock and load oil efficiently.

Significant Export and Storage Capacity:

Export Volume: On average, about 1.5 million barrels of oil per day are exported from the island.
Storage Capacity: The island functions as a major storage hub, with a reserve capacity of approximately 18 million barrels of crude oil, ensuring export continuity during disruptions.

Global Market Impact: Any disruption to the oil infrastructure on Kharg Island severely impacts Iran's export capacity, potentially leading to a sharp increase in global crude oil prices.

Source: THEHINDU

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Kharg Island is a small coral island located in the Persian Gulf that serves as Iran's primary oil export hub. Due to its naturally deep waters, it can accommodate supertankers and handles up to 90% of Iran's crude oil exports, making it a critical asset in the global energy market.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage through which nearly 60% of India's crude oil imports and massive quantities of LNG transit. Its closure directly disrupts India's daily energy supplies, heavily impacting the nation's energy security and economy.

SPRs are massive, state-funded stockpiles of crude oil maintained by countries to ensure emergency energy security during severe supply disruptions. India currently has SPR facilities in Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur, which provide roughly 9 days of import cover.