Oman is considering the imposition of transit fees or tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz [1].

This proposal targets one of the world's most vital maritime chokepoints. Any shift in the cost of transit could impact global energy prices and shipping logistics, as the strait is a primary artery for oil and gas exports.

Reports from 2024 indicate that Oman has communicated to European officials that ships may have to pay fees to navigate the waterway [2]. The government is exploring these measures to generate revenue, saying that a return to pre-war shipping conditions is now impossible [3].

Maritime traffic in the region has seen a significant decline. Before the war, approximately 135 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz each day [4]. In contrast, only 26 ships passed through the strait on May 19 and May 20 [4].

However, the Omani government has sent conflicting signals regarding the plan. While some reports suggest the fees are being actively weighed, Oman's foreign minister later said the implementation of any tolls was ruled out [5].

These developments follow similar proposals from Iran, which has also suggested the implementation of permanent tolls for the strait [6]. The region remains a flashpoint for international maritime law, as the right of transit passage is generally protected under international treaties.

“Oman is considering the imposition of transit fees or tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.”

The proposal to monetize the Strait of Hormuz reflects the volatility of maritime security in the region. If Oman or Iran successfully implement tolls, it would challenge the long-standing principle of free navigation in international straits. The drastic drop in daily ship traffic—from 135 to 26 in some windows—highlights a degraded security environment that makes traditional shipping norms unsustainable.