JAKARTA - A number of Asian countries are beginning to feel the economic impact of the increasing air raids by the United States, Israel, and Iran, as oil tankers are still being held around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most vital energy corridors in the world.
Several shipping operators have stopped transit through the strait amid soaring insurance costs and heightened security concerns.
China on Monday called the waterway an "important international trade route" and urged an immediate halt to military operations.
Answering a question from Anadolu Agency correspondent, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said stability in the strait and its surrounding waters was essential for global trade and called for measures to prevent further escalation.
Iranian media on Saturday reported that the Strait of Hormuz had been "effectively" closed following the US-Israeli attack, although there has been no official announcement of a formal blockade.
More than 40 vessels associated with Japan, including oil tankers, are currently held in the Persian Gulf, Kyodo News reported. At least three ships have stopped trying to cross the strait.
Japan imports about 95 percent of its crude oil from the Middle East, most of which passes through the narrow waterway.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Monday asked Iran's 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 would "continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts to resolve this situation as soon as possible."
Malaysia advised its vessels to avoid the strait until further notice, Bernama reported. The Malaysian Maritime Department asked ship operators to closely monitor international security warnings and maintain high operational readiness.
Pakistan is also preparing an emergency plan. Several officials told local daily The News International Islamabad that it may ask to be included in the list of Saudi Arabia's preferred crude oil supplies for shipment via the Red Sea if the disruption continues for more than 10 to 12 days.
Two crude oil tankers operated by Pakistan National Shipping Corporation are still stuck near the strait. Another ship that started loading when the conflict escalated is not expected to leave in the near future.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about a fifth of the world's 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, crosses the corridor.
Shipping data showed transit volumes on March 1 were down 86 percent compared to the average for 2026.
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported a number of maritime incidents described as attacks on Sunday.
Only Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have pipelines that can bypass the Strait of Hormuz, but their capacity covers only a small fraction of the volume of crude oil that is normally sent through the route.
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