Iran to collect cash transit fees in Strait of Hormuz for security services

CAIRO – 23 April 2026: The Central Bank of Iran has announced a new regulatory approach for financial transactions within the Strait of Hormuz, confirming it has begun collecting transit fees from commercial vessels and tankers traversing the strategic waterway.

 According to the Fars News Agency, citing bank sources, these fees will be mandatory for vessels obtaining official transit permits from relevant authorities, effectively establishing a rigorous new framework for maritime traffic in the region.

In a significant procedural shift, Iranian financial authorities confirmed that the revenue from these levies—charged in exchange for "security and insurance services" provided by the state—must be delivered exclusively in cash.

Regional observers suggest this measure is designed to secure immediate and direct access to foreign currency, thereby bypassing the complexities of international banking transfers and the ongoing restrictions imposed on the Iranian financial system.

Regarding the pricing mechanism, the Central Bank explained that the fees will not be fixed or uniform across all carriers but will instead be determined through a precise technical evaluation.

These calculations are based on variables including the type and quantity of cargo, alongside an assessment of the specific security risks associated with each individual voyage. Consequently, transit through the strait has become a process governed by variable economic and security estimates that fluctuate based on the nature of the shipment and prevailing geopolitical circumstances.