A coalition led by the United Kingdom and France, alongside nearly 30 countries, is intensifying efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in a move that could bring much-needed relief to African economies battling rising fuel costs.

The latest push builds on a March 19 meeting where leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan formally signaled readiness to ensure safe maritime passage through the critical oil route.

In a joint statement published by the UK government, the six countries backed preparatory plans for coordinated operations to secure navigation in the region.

They condemned the laying of mines, as well as ongoing drone and missile attacks that have effectively shut the strait to commercial shipping, and called on Iran to halt hostilities and comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.

Since then, the coalition has expanded to include about 30 countries, with Britain and France set to chair talks this week to formalize a joint mission to reopen the waterway, according to UK media reports.

A meeting of defense chiefs is expected in the coming days, with one official noting, “I anticipate that at some point in the near future there’ll be some kind of Strait of Hormuz security conference.”

French daily L'Orient–Le Jour also reports that the UK has offered to host a follow-up summit in Portsmouth or London to finalize operational details, with officials saying the coalition would work to reopen the waterway “as soon as the conditions are right.”

The renewed diplomatic and military coordination underscores growing urgency among global powers to restore stability to one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Africa’s fuel vulnerability exposed

The urgency of reopening the strait is being felt acutely across Africa. South Africa is preparing for a sharp increase in fuel prices, driven by a combination of disrupted global supply routes and India’s recent decision to impose export duties on refined fuel.

As a major supplier to South Africa, India’s policy shift is expected to significantly raise import costs in the coming weeks.

Nigeria is also facing mounting pressure, with fuel prices rising by roughly 39% in recent weeks, highlighting the broader vulnerability of African economies to global energy shocks.

Across the continent, countries reliant on imported petroleum products are grappling with tighter supply, rising freight costs, and weakening currencies.

North Africa’s largest economy, Egypt, has rolled out emergency energy-saving measures as the economic shock from the Iran war ripples beyond the Middle East, tightening fuel supplies and putting pressure on public finances.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, facilitating a substantial share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Its closure has forced longer shipping routes and increased insurance premiums, pushing up global fuel prices.

A successful reopening would help stabilize supply chains and ease cost pressures for African importers.

However, the crisis also highlights a deeper structural issue: the continent’s continued dependence on external fuel markets, reinforcing the need for expanded domestic refining capacity and energy security strategies. (Business Insider Africa)

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