Yes, I agree with the "never gonna run out of oil" statement, I was using that as a shorthand for becoming economically unattractive which is a looser concept.

I believe that the Chinese are building their railway link to Pakistan and on to Iran specifically to deal with the "sea lane"  problem, especially as it's quicker and more productive. However, I think the idea of the US playing pirate in the Indian Ocean with such a flammable product is somewhat unlikely.

keep to the Fen Causeway