Iran Drafts ‘Hormuz Law’ to Impose Formal Tolls on Ships in Strategic Strait
Iran’s parliament is advancing a draft bill known as the Hormuz Law that would formally introduce tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies.
According to reports from Iranian state media, the legislation aims to codify Iran’s oversight and sovereignty over the strait while generating new revenue through fees charged for safe passage and security provisions.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as the primary route for oil and gas exports from the Persian Gulf to international markets. It carries roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day, accounting for about one fifth of global oil consumption and around a quarter of seaborne oil trade. Disruptions or added costs in this narrow chokepoint could ripple through energy prices worldwide, affecting consumers and economies far beyond the region.
The proposed law builds on existing practices where Iran has reportedly sought informal payments, sometimes reaching up to two million dollars per vessel, in exchange for safe transit. Lawmakers have described the bill as a way to legally recognize Iran’s control while creating a structured income source. The draft is expected to be finalized soon, amid ongoing regional tensions that have already strained shipping routes and insurance markets for tankers.
