Why a Strait of Hormuz "toll" would pose economic and geopolitical risks

MoneyWatch A Strait of Hormuz "toll" would pose major economic and geopolitical risks, experts say .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-moneywatch.jpg'); } By Megan Cerullo Megan Cerullo Reporter, MoneyWatch Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting. Read Full Bio Megan Cerullo Updated on: April 10, 2026 / 11:21 AM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Reports that Iran is planning to charge ships a toll to traverse the Strait of Hormuz are raising concerns about the potential economic impact on oil and fuel prices. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps "has imposed a de facto 'toll booth' regime in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring vessels to submit full documentation, obtain clearance codes and accept IRGC-escorted passage through a single controlled corridor," analysts from Lloyd's List Intelligence said in a recent report. At least two vessels have paid fees in Chinese yuan, according to the provider of maritime research.For now, Iran has not officially implemented a toll for the strait, which would be unprecedented. But Tehran indicated this week that, under a long-term peace deal to reopen the strait, it would charge vessels a fee to guarantee safe passage, Reuters reported. In a Truth Social post on Thursday, President Trump warned Iran not to impose a toll on the vital conduit, which links the Persian Gulf to multiple trade routes. "There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait — They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!" he wrote.  The Strait of Hormuz normally accommodates roughly 20% of the world's oil and liquified natural gas supply. Murat Usubali/Anadolu via Getty Images Analysts with investment adviser Capit...