- Iran plans to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz
- Iranian parliament is advancing legislation to formalise transit fees for vessels
- India says no discussion on tolls for Indian-flagged ships in the strait
Iran has announced plans to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could further raise pressure on one of the world's most important energy chokepoints.
The announcement was made by Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi on Thursday, while Iranian parliament advanced legislation aimed at formalising transit fees for vessels using the narrow waterway.
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The announcement was made on the same day the Indian government stated there has been "no such discussion with Iran" over any tolls imposed on Indian-flagged or Indian-operated vessels seeking to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Iran earlier said that its "Indian friends" don't need "to worry" about the strait. "Our Indian friends are in safe hands, no worries," the Embassy of Iran in India said in a post on X on Thursday.
The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and serves as the main exit route for oil and gas from the Persian Gulf. Reuters and AP have reported that roughly one-fifth of global seaborne crude oil and liquefied natural gas moves through the strait, which makes any disruption, new fee or delay a major concern for global markets.
According to reports, Iranian officials say the fees are intended to cover security and services in the passage, while critics argue Tehran may not have the legal authority to impose blanket tolls on an international strait.
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The move comes against a backdrop of sharply heightened regional tensions, with shipping already disrupted in recent weeks. Several reports say traffic through the strait has fallen dramatically, while the standoff has pushed oil prices higher and prompted more than 40 countries to discuss ways to restore safe passage through the waterway.
The possible toll plan is likely to worry energy-importing countries in Asia and Europe, especially those that depend heavily on Gulf supplies.
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