Iran reportedly charges $2M tanker toll, choking Strait of Hormuz and threatening global oil supply

(SeaPRwire) –   Per reports, the Iranian government is imposing a $2 million fee on certain tankers for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to strengthen its grip on this critical global shipping bottleneck.

Iran International stated that on Sunday, Iranian legislator Alaeddin Boroujerdi informed state-run broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) that this substantial fee signals the launch of a new strategy to manage the waterway.

“Levying $2 million in transit charges on certain ships traversing the strait demonstrates Iran’s power,” Boroujerdi remarked in a TV program referenced by Iranian media outlets.

The outlet added that the parliament’s national security committee member also noted the measure is already in effect and represents what he terms a new “sovereign system” in the strait after many decades.

“Given that war comes with costs, it’s only natural for us to take this step and collect transit fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz,” he stated.

Boroujerdi’s remarks came shortly after former President Donald Trump issued a warning on Saturday that the U.S. might target Iran’s power facilities if the strait isn’t fully reopened without threats within 48 hours.

“If Iran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz without threats within the next 48 hours from now, the United States will strike and destroy their various power plants—starting with the largest one first!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

On Sunday, Ali Mousavi, Tehran’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization, told Mehr News Agency that the strait is “open to all” except Iran’s enemies. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian outlined Iran’s policy on X.

“The Strait of Hormuz is accessible to everyone except those who infringe upon our territory,” he stated.

Lloyds List reports that Iran has established an unofficial “safe” shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz, offering passage to vetted tankers in return for approval—and in at least one instance, a reported $2 million payment.

The outlet added that several governments—including China, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Iraq—are negotiating with Tehran regarding ship transit, as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard implements a new system to register “approved” vessels for safe passage.

Maritime intelligence company Windward AI stated on Sunday that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is “near collapse,” with just 16 AIS-detectable crossings logged over the previous week.

The firm also noted that transit is being controlled more strictly, with ships diverting through Iran’s territorial waters. Gulf energy exports are continuing to drop, with crude and LPG flows reaching recent low levels.

“Iranian exports are still active, backed by alternative routes and consistent on-water volumes,” Windward noted.

Typically, the strait handles around 20 million barrels of oil daily and approximately 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade. The current disruption has increased shipping and insurance costs, boosted oil prices, and sparked global economic worries.

Windward added that Russian crude volumes are still high, underscoring the ongoing dependence on maritime energy transportation.