Who will pay the Strait of Hormuz toll fees?

Commercial shipping operators passing through; Iran plans 5–7% of cargo value, Oman ~3%.

Does this violate international law?

Yes, UNCLOS guarantees free passage through straits used for international navigation, making tolls illegal.

Under what conditions does insurance become void?

LMA clauses terminate coverage if any 'toll', 'fee', or 'service charge' is paid for passage.

How will Japan's energy supply be affected?

Japan imports most of its oil via this strait; increased costs and delays may raise domestic prices.

What responses can the international community take?

IMO protests, naval escorts, or economic countermeasures are possible diplomatic/military options.

What Does the Iran-Oman Strait of Hormuz Proposal Mean? Shippers Face Dilemma: Must Pay, But Cannot Pay

Published Aug 7, 2026 12:20 PM ・ Updated Aug 7, 2026 1:23 PM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: PR Times

Iran has unveiled a draft plan with Oman to jointly manage vessels entering the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, proposing a 5%-7% 'service fee' on cargo value, while Oman discusses charging about 3%. The U.S. demands full exemption. The draft establishes a fee-collecting body under U.S.-sanctioned 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority,' triggering immediate compliance concerns.

On Thursday (6th), Iran announced a restrictive draft proposal for shipping management in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to jointly regulate vessels entering the Persian Gulf through the strait with Oman. Tehran plans to impose a 'service fee' equivalent to 5%-7% of cargo value on passing ships, while Oman is discussing collecting approximately 3%. Washington, however, demands complete exemption.

The draft also establishes the operation of toll collection by the 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority,' an entity subject to U.S. sanctions, instantly triggering compliance issues.

Eight major international shipping associations (BIMCO, ICS, INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, CLIA, ECSA, ASA, WSC) jointly sent a letter this week to the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), emphasizing that the 'safe, predictable, and unimpeded navigation' of commercial vessels through international waterways is the foundation of supply chain resilience and energy security. They warned that mandatory tolls would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the legal framework governing straits used for international navigation.

The insurance sector has already taken action. At the end of last month, the London Market Association (LMA) added a new clause: insurance policies will be terminated immediately if a vessel pays any 'toll,' 'passage fee,' or similar charges for crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

Industry insiders state that shipping operators now face a severe dilemma—refusing to pay risks inspection or detention by Iran, while paying violates U.S. sanctions and invalidates insurance coverage.

Markets are concerned that these costs will be passed on, driving up expenses for oil tankers, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and bulk carriers, eventually permeating into final energy and commodity prices.

This 'must-pay-but-cannot-pay' draft proposal by Iran and Oman serves as a short-term diplomatic bargaining chip but, in the long run, risks transforming the Strait of Hormuz from a military risk zone into a complex 'legal-insurance-sanctions' maritime hazard area.

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Source: PR Times
Category: News
Organizations: BIMCO / ICS / INTERTANKO

What Does the Iran-Oman Strait of Hormuz Proposal Mean? Shippers Face Dilemma: Must Pay, But Cannot Pay

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