Iran May Demand Crypto Toll for Hormuz Passage, Hundreds of Ships Stuck Amid Uncertainty
Iran is reportedly considering imposing a toll in cryptocurrency on ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, even as a fragile ceasefire with the United States remains in place.
The development comes as hundreds of vessels remain stranded, awaiting clarity on transit conditions.
The situation is critical given the Strait’s role in carrying nearly 20 percent of global oil supply.
According to officials cited in international reports, Iran may charge around $1 per barrel of oil for vessels passing through the Strait. Ships would be required to declare cargo details in advance and complete payments in digital currency.
Authorities have also indicated that every vessel will undergo assessment before clearance, a process expected to significantly slow down traffic.
At present, an estimated 300 to 400 ships are waiting in the Gulf region for safe passage, reflecting the scale of disruption.
Global shipping companies have adopted a cautious stance. Maersk said it is urgently seeking clarity on Iran’s conditions but has not yet altered operations.
Industry experts have warned that even under normalised conditions, clearing the backlog will take time, with only a limited number of ships able to transit daily.
The proposed toll system and strict monitoring measures could reshape global shipping dynamics in the short term.
Before the conflict, around 135 ships passed through the Strait daily. Current estimates suggest only 10–15 vessels may be cleared per day, prolonging delays.
The uncertainty has also raised concerns over rising shipping costs, energy prices, and supply chain disruptions worldwide.
Iran’s tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz, even during a ceasefire, underscores the fragile nature of the current situation and its far-reaching global implications.
Our Final Thoughts
The reported move by Iran to impose cryptocurrency-based tolls highlights a new dimension in geopolitical and economic strategy. By leveraging its control over a critical maritime chokepoint, Iran is not only asserting its authority but also experimenting with alternative financial mechanisms amid sanctions. However, the immediate impact is clear—uncertainty for global shipping and pressure on already strained supply chains. The backlog of vessels and reduced transit capacity indicate that recovery will not be quick, even if tensions ease. As the situation evolves, the balance between security concerns and global economic stability will remain a key challenge for all stakeholders involved.