TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several Asian countries are beginning to feel the economic impact of escalating airstrikes by the United States (US), Israel, and Iran, as oil tankers remain stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital energy corridors.
Some shipping operators have halted transit through the strait amid soaring insurance costs and growing security concerns.
China on Monday called the waterway an "important international trade route" and urged an immediate halt to military operations.
Responding to questions from an Anadolu Agency correspondent, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said stability in the strait and surrounding waters is crucial for global trade and called for measures to prevent further escalation.
Iranian media reported on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz had been "effectively" closed following the US-Israeli attacks, although no formal blockade has been announced.
More than 40 Japan-linked vessels, including oil tankers, are currently stuck in the Persian Gulf, Kyodo News reports. At least three vessels have halted attempts to pass through the strait.
Japan imports about 95 percent of its crude oil from the Middle East, much of which passes through the narrow waterway.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Monday asked Iranian Ambassador to Tokyo Peiman Seadat to help ensure the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a statement from the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Motegi said Tokyo will “continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts to achieve a resolution to this situation as soon as possible.”
Malaysia advised its vessels to avoid the strait until further notice, Bernama reports. The Malaysian Maritime Department has asked ship operators to closely monitor international security alerts and maintain a high level of operational preparedness.
Pakistan is also preparing contingency plans. Officials told local newspaper The News International that Islamabad would likely request inclusion on Saudi Arabia's preferred crude oil supply list for shipments through the Red Sea if the disruption continues for more than 10 to 12 days.
Two crude oil tankers operated by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation remain stuck near the strait. Another vessel, which began loading as the conflict escalated, is not expected to depart anytime soon.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about a fifth of global oil trade, as well as large volumes of liquefied natural gas exports from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. About 20 percent of global daily oil consumption, or about 20 million barrels, passes through the corridor.
Shipping data shows transit volumes on March 1 were down 86 percent compared to the 2026 average.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported several maritime incidents described as attacks on Sunday.
Only Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have pipelines that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, but their capacity is only a fraction of the volume of crude oil typically shipped through the route.
Read: Iran Says It Will 'Set Ablaze' Any Ship Trying to Pass Through Strait of Hormuz
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