Tankers urged not to pay toll to Iran for use of strait

Tankers Advised to Avoid Paying Iran for Strait Passage

Following the collapse of a recent ceasefire, maritime operators are being urged to withhold payments from Iran for transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement, reached on Tuesday, was intended to restore shipping activity in the vital waterway but has not yet succeeded in clearing the bottleneck. Iran now claims it retains the authority to impose charges on vessels passing through, warning that ships might still face attacks without prior approval.

International Concerns Over Toll Payments

“We do not believe tolls are the right approach here,” stated Phillip Belcher of Intertanko, a coalition of independent tanker companies. “This seems to be the initial focus of talks, which is surprising.” He emphasized that the strait’s security remains uncertain until a permanent halt to hostilities is achieved, ensuring no further threats to vessels.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a key military unit, has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and EU. Belcher noted that this status makes toll payments to Iran a potential risk. “Until the conflict is fully resolved, we think the strait should remain a shared passage, not a controlled toll road,” he added.

Global Trade Implications

Since the conflict began, tanker traffic through the strait has plummeted. Just 15 ships have navigated the route since Tuesday, compared to the usual 140 daily. This has left over 800 vessels stranded in the Gulf, many carrying essential cargo. Prolonged blockage could disrupt global oil, gas, and fertilizer supplies, affecting fuel, electricity, food, and medicine prices worldwide.

Stena Bulk, a Swedish shipping company, has yet to resume operations. “We need full assurances before moving,” said Erik Hanell, the firm’s CEO. “Tolls would be like paying fees to use the English Channel—something we’re not ready to accept.” He highlighted the lack of official guidance from Iran, stating his company would not pay “as a standalone entity” without clear confirmation of safety.

U.S.-Iran Diplomatic Efforts

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is set to meet Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan, to finalize details of the ceasefire. However, tensions persist, with air strikes in Israel and Lebanon complicating negotiations. Trump had previously proposed tolls as a shared arrangement between Iran and Oman, but later dismissed the idea, calling it a “new rule” that should be stopped immediately.

Armenio Dominguez, head of the International Maritime Organisation, stressed that international straits should remain open for all. “Freedom of navigation is a fundamental right under international law,” he said. “Imposing tolls on the strait would contradict that principle.” The organisation advocates for collective oversight to ensure safe passage without unilateral control by any single nation.