Will "Strait of Hormuz Passage Fees" Become a Reality...First Deposit Made to Central Bank of Iran

by Son Seonhee

Published 23 Apr.2026 18:58(KST)

While Iran, currently at war with the United States and Israel, is blocking the Strait of Hormuz, local media reported on April 23 (local time) that Iran has begun collecting so-called "passage fees" and depositing them with the Central Bank of Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, which had previously allowed ships from around the world to pass freely, is effectively becoming a toll zone as a result of this conflict.

Ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz area. MarineTraffic

According to Yonhap News and local outlets, Hamid Reza Haji Babaei, Vice Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, stated that the first passage fee for the Strait of Hormuz has been deposited in the Central Bank of Iran. However, specific details such as the amount and timing have not been disclosed.

Since February 28, immediately after attacks by the United States and Israel, Iran has enforced a military blockade on the Strait of Hormuz and has been demanding passage fees under the pretext of "security services." With the prolonged crisis in the Middle East, some ships stranded within the strait have reportedly had "no other choice" but to pay. Although no official fee structure has been announced, there have been estimates that for oil tankers, the provisional fee is set at 1 dollar per barrel, and for supertankers, the amount could reach up to 2 million dollars (approximately 3 billion won).

On April 21, the Iranian Parliament passed a bill specifying Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz and authorizing the collection of passage fees. According to the bill, vessels wishing to pass through the Strait of Hormuz must submit relevant documents to Iranian authorities and obtain permission, and the passage fee must be paid in Iranian rials.