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
Strait of Hormuz
The most vital checkpoint in the world: 17 million barrels per day passed through in 2011.
Source: US Funds
Bab el-Mandeb
The origin for tankers' hazardous journey around the horn of Africa, the strait saw 3.4 million barrels per day in 2011.
Source: US Funds
Strait of Malacca
Asia's key checkpoint: 15 million barrels per day passed through in 2011.
Source: US Funds
Panama Canal
Though only 755,000 barrels per day passed through in 2011, the Panama Canal Authority is in the midst of a massive overhaul that, by 2014, will triple the strait's capacity.
Source: US Funds