Hormuz Fee Clash: Iran’s 5–7% Toll Demand vs. Oman’s Voluntary 3% Plan Sparks Global Risk Premium Surge

While Oman has suggested a regional-management approach of charging roughly 3% as voluntary donations for navigation, environmental preservation, and search-and-rescue services, Iran is pushing for control over traffic via the Strait of Hormuz together with required fees of 5%–7% of load value. The United States firmly opposes any transit fees and demands the waterway stay free of charges, which causes significant disagreements among the three parties now negotiating.

Though limited costs for certain services may be authorized, neighboring countries cannot charge only for the right of transit across an international strait under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Actual obstacles make the problem even more difficult: U.S. sanctions might prevent payments to Iran, Lloyd's Market Association has added a war-risk clause that might negate insurance if ships pay any Hormuz fee, and shipping companies are likely to shun the route, ask for more freight costs, or pass the expense to oil purchasers.

Markets are already pricing in greater risk premiums instead of confirmed supply cuts; hence, Brent crude is expected to suffer most from increased geopolitical and insurance expenses, likely rising tanker rates, and any ongoing fee or interruption adding to inflation while supporting gold and the dollar if the standoff turns into sanctions or navigation conflicts.