Clearing Strait of Hormuz of mines could take 6 months, Pentagon tells Congress

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🗞️ Driving the news: The Pentagon has warned U.S. lawmakers that clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months, prolonging disruptions to global oil flows and keeping energy prices elevated.

🔭 The context: The strategic waterway, through which about 20% of global oil supply normally passes, has been partially shut due to the Iran conflict
• Mines deployed in the region, some using GPS technology, are difficult to detect and remove, complicating maritime operations and delaying normalization even after a ceasefire

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Prolonged fossil fuel disruptions can accelerate the shift toward renewable energy and energy efficiency, as countries seek to reduce dependence on volatile oil supply routes
• However, short-term effects may include increased reliance on alternative fossil sources, potentially raising emissions before cleaner systems scale

⏭️ What’s next: Military planning for mine-clearing operations remains uncertain, while markets and governments brace for extended volatility in oil and gas prices
• Energy policy responses, particularly in Europe and Asia, will likely intensify around diversification and electrification

💬 One quote: “You’re not going to have many people wanting to run that risk.” — Richard Nephew

📈 One stat: U.S. gasoline prices have surged to $4.02 per gallon, up from $2.98 before the war began

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