TEHRAN – Iran has announced a new tax on oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. The decision introduces a fee of $1 per barrel for oil transported through the strait.
According to reports, the announcement was made by Hamid Hosseini. He said Iran plans to collect toll taxes from oil tankers moving through the strait. Payments will reportedly be made using cryptocurrency.
Hosseini explained that Iran intends to inspect every vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The inspections are meant to monitor cargo entering and leaving the region. Authorities say the checks will help prevent the movement of weapons during the current tensions.
Under the new policy, ships must submit their cargo information to Iranian authorities through email before entering the route. Officials will then review the cargo details and inform ships about the applicable fee.
Oil tankers carrying crude or petroleum products will be charged $1 per barrel. However, empty vessels will be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without paying a fee.
Hosseini also stated that once the inspection process is completed, the vessel will receive payment instructions. Tanker operators will be required to make the payment in Bitcoin within seconds after confirmation.
Reports suggest that Iran and Oman may both collect revenue from ships passing through the strait under the current ceasefire arrangement. Iranian officials say the funds will likely be used for reconstruction efforts. However, Oman has not clarified how it plans to use its share of the revenue.
Decisions regarding ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz are made by the Supreme National Security Council of Iran. This body oversees major security and strategic policies in the country.
Foreign media reports also warned that vessels in the Persian Gulf could face serious consequences if they attempt to pass through the strait without permission from Iranian authorities. Ships trying to bypass the new system may risk attack or destruction.
Meanwhile, tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited. Shipping activity had briefly resumed after a ceasefire between the United States and Iran. During that time, two vessels from Greece and Liberia successfully passed through the route.
However, Iran later restricted tanker movement again following Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The renewed restrictions have slowed shipping activity in the region.
According to shipping reports, about 187 vessels carrying nearly 175 million barrels of oil and petroleum products are currently in the Gulf. These ships may depart once conditions improve.
Experts estimate that between 300 and 400 ships are waiting for permission to exit the Persian Gulf. Before the recent conflict, around 135 vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz daily.
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Analysts believe that in the coming days, only a limited number of ships approved by Iran will be allowed to pass through the key shipping route.
