Navy frigates defend world oil prices in the Gulf

In a small corner of the Gulf, British-led forces have been protecting the oil installations key to controlling world oil prices.

At a time of international economic fragility any attack on the sea terminals would lead to a potentially crippling rise in oil prices.

With two per cent of the world’s oil going through the terminals and security for area was branded “extremely important to the global economy" byd Commander Rory Bryan, captain of the frigate HMS Lancaster.

“They are clearly a tempting target for violent extremists and need to be protected," he said. "We are here to make sure their integrity remains safe.”

More than 2.4 million barrels a day flow out of the platforms in the Arabian Gulf and into the super tankers queuing up nose-to-tail surrounded by a flotilla of six warships on 24 hour readiness to intercept attackers.

The 10 square miles of water around the Al Basra and Khawr Al Amaya oil platforms, essentially huge petrol stations at sea, are the most protected waters in the world.

Read the full article on Telegraph.co.uk