Serbian leader Vucic warns Europe will be “in hell” if Hormuz closes

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic warned that Europe could face severe consequences in the energy sector if the escalation in the Middle East persists, cautioning that the situation could become catastrophic for the continent.

Speaking in remarks cited by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Vucic said: “We will all be in hell in Europe if this continues. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is of vital importance for people.”

He stressed that any disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would have direct and serious implications for energy supplies. Vucic proposed introducing subsidy measures for the coming month, arguing that European governments cannot allow oil and gas prices to rise sharply at a time when the continent is already grappling with energy shortages.

Concerns over the waterway have intensified amid reports of mounting congestion. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, citing data from maritime information agency Clarksons Research, more than 3,000 vessels are currently stranded at ports in the Persian Gulf, awaiting passage through the strait.

The data shows that approximately 4 per cent of global shipping tonnage is now idle in the Persian Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes. Roughly one-fifth of global oil exports pass through the narrow corridor.

By Tamilla Hasanova