Throughout history, the well-connected have always benefited from crises. In the specific case of the conflict with Iran, there have been accusations against fuel retailers, who increased prices at the pumps within hours of the first attacks.
Also against the main oil companies, which benefited from extraordinary profit margins thanks to the price of crude oil at $100 (86.24 euros) per barrel. And against maritime insurers, who increased war risk premiums by hundreds of percentage points after Tehran de facto closed the Strait of Hormuz.
But, if true, there is one measure that surpasses all others in its impudence. Iran, which has almost completely blocked the passage of oil and gas transport ships through the strait, would have begun to charge up to 2 million dollars (1.72 million euros) per ship to enjoy “safe passage” through this sea route.
Lloyd’s Listone of the world’s oldest and most prestigious maritime publications, reported last week that at least one tanker is believed to have made a payment.
Has Iran established the payment of a “toll” in Hormuz?
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Tehran’s blockade threatens to turn a global strategic point, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply flows, into a high-risk toll crossing.
While several Iranian officials have denied the report, MP Alaeddin Boruyerdi claimed on Iranian state television that such fees were being collected as part of a “new sovereign regime” in the strait, presenting the measure as an attempt to cover the “costs of war.”
If confirmed, the payment would constitute a violation of international maritime law, said Robert Huebert, an international relations expert at the University of Calgary in Canada.
“Freedom of navigation is the basis of international maritime trade, the ability to transit through these areas without any type of obstacle,” Huebert declared on Tuesday, March 24, in a podcast by Energi Media of Canada. “If a tax were imposed, virtually all countries would be directly opposed.”
With more than 3,200 vessels stranded, Peter Sand, chief analyst at Xeneta, a Copenhagen-based maritime analysis company, downplays the rate. “As high as it may seem, the two million dollar transit charge is not the essential factor,” Sand told DW. “What matters is that it is still dangerous to travel through Hormuz.”
The willingness of major oil and gas importers to engage in direct talks and pay an exorbitant fee per vessel, in addition to sky-high insurance coverage, underscores the growing desperation of fuel-dependent nations to secure even minimal supplies across the strait. “Some countries may want to pay,” adds Sand. “It’s a small additional cost to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.”
Payments despite sanctions against Iran
Lloyd´s List It says it is unclear how the transaction took place, as Iran remains subject to international sanctions. That makes it difficult for Tehran to receive dollar payments through Western financial channels.
The maritime publication reports that India, Pakistan, Iraq, Malaysia and China are speaking directly with Iranian officials to arrange the safe passage of their ships.
Bloombergwhich has also published information on this topic, cites anonymous sources who stated that several ships had paid money to cross the strait, although the payment does not appear to be systematic.
According to a source BloombergTehran is considering formalizing the payment of this fee as part of any peace agreement with the United States and Israel.
Iran will facilitate transit of “non-hostile” tankers
On Tuesday, March 24, Iran sent a letter to member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), saying it will now allow “non-hostile ships” to pass through Hormuz, with coordination from Tehran.
“So far, Iran has approved between three and five transits per day,” says Sand. “Tehran is now saying that the strait is open to those who are not enemies of Iran.”
Meanwhile, an IMO spokesperson tells DW that the organization is working to establish an “urgent, interim measure to facilitate the safe evacuation of merchant ships currently confined in the Gulf region.”
Before the crisis worsens even further, the IMO warns that it is essential to protect the lives and well-being of stranded sailors, and is pressing so that ships willing to transit the Strait of Hormuz can do so without being attacked.
Looking ahead, US President Donald Trump has been pushing European NATO allies to join a multinational naval patrol or escort mission in the Gulf to safeguard international shipping.
But European countries have largely resisted participating immediately. However, many, including Germany, France and Italy, have signaled that they would be prepared to contribute to a naval escort or patrol mission once the fighting stops.
The IMO said that while naval escorts have been used previously, including during recent attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis against ships in the Red Sea, they do not provide a “sustainable or long-term solution.”
“There must be a multilateral solution to reduce tension and allow the evacuation of civilian sailors and ships to safety,” the IMO spokesperson stated.
(cp/ms)