UK lights to stay on if Strait of Hormuz closes-grid

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Iranian politicians and officials have often said Iran could block the strait - the neck of the Gulf through which 40 percent of the world's seaborne oil exports passes - in response to sanctions or military action by the United States and its allies intended to stop Tehran developing a nuclear programme.

Even if a closure of the Middle Eastern shipping path occurred, Britain would be able to assure security of energy supply and keep the lights on, National Grid's market operation director, Chris Train, said at a conference on Friday.

"Clearly we talk to the security services around the likelihood of a threat and look at scenarios if it closed," Train said.

He added that Britain's current electricity market was favouring coal over gas burn, meaning a drop in LNG supply would not threaten power production.

Britain, Europe's largest gas consumer, has increased its reliance on gas imports in recent years as domestic production declines and demand continues to rise.

Middle Eastern producer Qatar has played a growing role in supplying Britain with gas as more import terminals have opened.

All LNG shipments from Qatar, the world's biggest LNG exporter, sail through the Strait of Hormuz.

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