Strait of Hormuz transit fees could be introduced by Oman despite opposition from the United States and Gulf countries. According to a report by Bloomberg, Omani officials told European counterparts that ships passing through the strategic waterway may be charged for services related to environmental protection and navigation assistance.
Oman said the Strait of Hormuz cannot simply return to its pre-war conditions. Officials believe that additional measures are needed to ensure safe shipping, protect the marine environment, and manage increased traffic following recent regional tensions.
The Omani government stressed that it will continue to comply with international maritime law. However, it indicated that charging ships for services such as keeping the waterway free from pollution and providing navigation support remains under consideration.
Qatar has also expressed a mixed position on the issue. Earlier, Doha said it would work with Iran to discuss the costs associated with managing shipping routes, although both Oman and Qatar had signed a Gulf Cooperation Council statement opposing the introduction of tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Strait of Hormuz transit fees continue to face strong opposition from Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that no country has the right to impose taxes or fees on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz, reaffirming the US position that the vital international waterway must remain open for free navigation.