Despite an interim agreement between the US and Iran aimed at ending hostilities, ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has not yet resumed pre-conflict levels. The potential restriction of this vital maritime corridor, which historically handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, has impacted global energy supplies and contributed to inflationary pressures. The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran and Oman, remains a point of uncertainty regarding mandatory passage fees.
According to data from Kpler, only about 71 ships passed through the strait between Friday and Sunday, with a peak of 35 crossings on Saturday. This volume is significantly lower than pre-war levels, when daily traffic typically ranged between 100 and 130 vessels. The primary central route through the strait is currently mined and remains closed.
Consequently, vessels are utilizing either the northern route, which passes through Iranian waters, or the southern route via Omani waters. Under the terms of the recent memorandum, Iran will manage the strait for the 60-day period during ongoing negotiations between the US and Tehran. While passage was previously free, Iran recently established a state authority to collect payments and mandate registration for ships transiting the strait.
However, it has been agreed that no fees will be imposed on passing ships for the next 60 days. Should a final accord not be reached within this timeframe, Donald Trump has suggested the US might implement its own tariffs on passage. As part of the agreement, Iran has committed to completing mine clearance within 30 days.
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