Iran seeks $2 million transit fee from ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz

According to the media in question, Tehran's demands range up to $2m for travel and set the case by case, effectively creating a “-tax” informal in one of the most important energy corridors in the world.

Some ships have already paid the fees, sources said, but it is not clear how or what currency they are paid, and it still does not appear to have a fully organised or universal system for collecting tariffs.

Transactions are reportedly being conducted in a discrete manner, increasing uncertainty about which ships might be targeted. Hormuz Strait is a key point for the global energy market, with about a fifth of the world's oil and gas production, as well as large quantities of food, metals and other goods moving along waterways.

This development comes as the conflict in the Middle East enters the fourth week, stressing the need for many countries to ensure the continued flow of energy resources. Limited payment transparency is creating additional tension in shipping to the region, with few ships passing through this passage since the beginning of the war, many of which have been linked to Iranian interests.

Some of the few foreign ships seem to be following roads near the Iranian coast. India, which has provided the passage for four LNG carriers from the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, has stressed that international law guarantees freedom of navigation and that no country can impose fees for the use of the maritime corridor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had discussed Iran's war issue with US President Donald Trump, including implications for shipping and global energy security. In a post in social media, Modi said the “security for Hormuz Strait to remain open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world”.

Iran's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and restrictions on telecommunications and internet access are in force in the country. /Panorama.al