Final answer:
The Strait of Hormuz is a critically important maritime passageway adjacent to the largest source of crude oil, essential for global oil trade. The provided details do not specify the exact percentage of world oil that passes through but highlight its strategic importance for OPEC member states and the global energy supply.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Straits of Hormuz is a critical maritime passageway that lies between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, particularly important due to its proximity to the world's largest single source of crude oil, making it one of the world’s most strategically important choke points. This narrow waterway is the only sea link between the Persian Gulf and the open ocean. A significant percentage of the global oil supply is transported through this route.
While the exact percentage of world oil that passes through the Strait of Hormuz can vary based on fluctuating maritime traffic and geopolitical situations, it has been recorded that a very high percentage of global oil trade occurs through this strait. However, the specific percentage isn't provided in the information.
As the Strait of Hormuz adjoins OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) member states, controlling significant oil reserves, the route is crucial for the global energy supply. Environmental concerns have also emerged due to oil tanker spills along the Gulf of Oman, threatening coastal and desert ecosystems. Moreover, the geopolitical landscape concerning oil reserves and consumption indicates a reliance on imports for many countries, with implications for global economies.