finance
Iran Proposes Toll Fees and Inspections for Strait of Hormuz Transit Amid Ceasefire Uncertainty
Iran has proposed collecting toll fees of $1 per barrel of oil from tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz and inspecting vessels for weapons. The International Maritime Organization warned that such measures would set a dangerous precedent violating international norms. Maritime traffic through the strait remains largely halted despite a two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.
Apr 9, 7:45 AM·2m read3 sources
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The Strait of Hormuz remains closed to most maritime traffic following a six-week US-Iran conflict. A two-week ceasefire was agreed upon, with Iran committing to reopen the strait in exchange. However, negotiators from both sides met on Friday amid ongoing tensions, including Israel's bombardment of Beirut and reports of attacks on a Saudi Red Sea port.
Iranian officials stated intentions to impose toll fees on oil tankers transiting the strait and conduct inspections on each vessel. Hamid Hosseini, spokesperson for Iran's Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters' Union, specified a toll of $1 per barrel of oil, payable in bitcoin within seconds after assessment to avoid sanctions-related tracing or confiscation.
Hosseini explained the measures aim to monitor for weapons transfers during the ceasefire period.
“Iran needs to monitor what goes in and out of the strait to ensure these two weeks aren't used for transferring weapons," said Hosseini.”
“— Hamid Hosseini, April 9, 2026 (Financial Times)”
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) expressed concerns over Iran's proposals. Arsenio Dominguez, IMO secretary-general, stated that introducing tolls and parallel mechanisms at the chokepoint would deviate from established international maritime practices and potentially endanger ship safety.
The ceasefire deal faced doubts as Tehran maintained the Hormuz closure and Israel escalated actions in Beirut. Both sides declared victory, but little change in traffic occurred since the truce. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of UAE's Adnoc, confirmed the strait is not open.
