World Oil Transit Chokepoints Brief — Jan 18, 2011: “Chokepoints are narrow channels along widely used global sea routes, some so narrow that restrictions are placed on the size of vessel that can navigate through them. They are a critical part of global energy security due to the high volume of oil traded through their narrow straits. For a detailed summary and analysis of major world oil transit chokepoints, volumes of trade and alternate routes, please see the updated brief.”