Mumbai, Correspondent

Amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, global attention remains focused on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. The passage is vital for global energy supplies, and for India in particular, as a significant share of the country's crude oil and LNG imports pass through this route.

With reports that several Indian oil tankers have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are heading toward Indian ports, many are curious about the distance involved and the enormous amount of fuel required to complete the voyage.

A Critical Maritime Route for India

The sea distance between the Strait of Hormuz and India's western coastline varies depending on the destination port. Major Indian ports such as Mumbai, Mundra, and Dahej are located approximately 1,200 to 1,500 nautical miles from the strait.

In conventional measurements, this translates to roughly 2,200 to 2,800 kilometres. Given India's heavy dependence on imported energy, the route remains strategically crucial for the country's energy security.

Journey Takes 4 to 6 Days

A large crude oil tanker typically takes four to six days to travel from the Strait of Hormuz to Indian ports. Travel time depends on weather conditions, sea traffic, ocean currents and vessel size.

Most commercial oil tankers operate at a relatively efficient speed of 13 to 15 knots (about 24–28 km/h) to balance fuel consumption and operational efficiency.

How Much Fuel Does a Super Tanker Burn?

Fuel consumption for ships is measured differently from cars or trucks. Instead of fuel per kilometre, maritime operators calculate fuel use on a per-day basis.

A Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), commonly known as a supertanker, can transport between 200,000 and 300,000 metric tonnes of crude oil. To move such massive cargo, these vessels typically consume between 50,000 and 80,000 gallons of marine fuel per day.

Total Fuel Consumption for Hormuz-to-India Voyage

Assuming an average voyage duration of five days, a VLCC traveling from the Strait of Hormuz to India could consume approximately:

• 250,000 gallons of fuel at the lower end
• 400,000 gallons of fuel at the higher end

This translates to roughly 9.5 lakh to 15.1 lakh litres of marine fuel during a single voyage.

Fuel Consumption Per Nautical Mile

Shipping experts estimate that a large oil tanker burns around 200 to 250 gallons of fuel per nautical mile under typical operating conditions.

Given that international tankers often travel thousands of nautical miles across oceans, fuel costs represent one of the largest operational expenses for shipping companies.

Why Hormuz Matters

Any disruption, delay, or escalation around the Strait of Hormuz can significantly impact shipping schedules, freight costs and ultimately global oil prices. Since India imports a substantial portion of its crude oil through this route, developments in the region can directly influence domestic fuel prices and energy markets.

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