"About half of the world's total oil production of nearly 90 million barrels per day is transported over water," write US Funds analysts.
At some point, almost all of this seaborne oil passes through one of seven chokepoints, or a narrow body of water.
At these chokepoints, oil tankers face various risks ranging from heavy traffic to piracy. Any disruption could lead to volatility in oil prices.
US Funds recently took a close look at these seven chokepoints. We highlight some of their findings here.
Danish Straits
The EIA says that as Europe grows more reliant on Russian energy exports, the Danish Straits will gain in importance. Three million barrels per day passed through in 2010.
Source: US Funds
Turkish Straits
One of the busiest chokepoints in the world, the Bosporous and Dardanelles saw a total of 50,000 ships carrying an average of 3 million barrels a day, pass through it in 2011.
Source: US Funds
Suez Canal/SUMED Pipeline
Though just 1,000-feet-wide at its maximum point, 18,000 ships passed through the Suez in 2011. Combined with the SUMED oil pipeline, the Suez area transports 2.4 million barrels per day.
Source: US Funds
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