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Kharg Island

15 Mar 2026 GS 2 International Relations
Kharg Island Click to view full image

Location

  • Kharg Island is a small coral island in the Persian Gulf, located about 50 km off the coast of Iran.

  • Length: roughly 8 km.

  • Situated near the vital shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz.

Why Kharg Island is strategically important

  1. Iran’s main oil export hub

    • Nearly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports pass through this island.

    • Pipelines from major Iranian oil fields terminate here.

  2. Major oil storage and export facilities

    • Large oil storage tanks and export terminals.

    • Facilities linked to major oil and petrochemical companies such as National Iranian Oil Company units.

  3. Deep-water access

    • Much of Iran’s coastline is too shallow for very large crude carriers (VLCCs).

    • Kharg has deep-water jetties, enabling large oil tankers to dock easily.

  4. Oil volumes handled

    • About 1.5 million barrels/day normally exported via Kharg.

    • Iran had reportedly increased flows to around 3 million barrels/day before the recent attack.

Why the US attack is significant

  • The United States reportedly targeted military installations, not oil infrastructure.

  • Even limited strikes create geopolitical risk in global energy markets.

Potential global consequences

  1. Oil price spike

    • If oil facilities were hit, up to 90% of Iran’s exports could be disrupted.

    • Crude prices could rise sharply, potentially towards $150 per barrel.

  2. Threat to global shipping

    • Tanker routes through the Strait of Hormuz may face risk.

    • The US Navy plans to escort oil tankers to ensure safe passage.

  3. Energy security concerns

    • Any disruption in the Persian Gulf affects global oil supply chains.

Prelims Pointers

  • Kharg Island – Iran’s largest oil export terminal.

  • Located in the Persian Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz.

  • Handles major share of Iranian crude exports.

  • Deep-water facility suitable for VLCC oil tankers.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Q. Kharg Island, recently seen in the news, is significant because:

  1. It is Iran’s primary crude oil export terminal.

  2. It is located in the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb.

  3. Most Iranian oil pipelines terminate at this island.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Correct — Kharg Island handles most Iranian crude exports.

  • Statement 2: Incorrect — It lies in the Persian Gulf, not Bab-el-Mandeb (Red Sea).

  • Statement 3: Correct — Several oil pipelines from Iranian oil fields terminate here.



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