Oman has told European officials there’s no way of going back to the pre-war status quo with the Strait of Hormuz and transiting ships may have to be charged some fees, according to people familiar with the matter.
While Omani officials said they will always abide by international maritime law, they added there could be fees for services related to de-polluting the strait or helping ships navigate it, the people said, asking not to be named discussing private matters. It’s unclear if Oman said all these fees would be obligatory.
Oman is analysing systems used for chokepoints across the globe, including the Malacca strait in Asia, said the people, an area where there are no mandatory shipping charges.
The US, Europe and Oman’s Gulf Arab neighbours are increasingly concerned the sultanate will set up a tolling or fee system with Iran for the Strait of Hormuz.
French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Oman’s leader, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, in Paris on Monday, as world powers step up efforts to ensure free passage through the strait continues.
The two leaders will “address the security of maritime routes, which depends on free and unconditional passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” according to Macron’s office.
Oman’s foreign ministry and its embassy in France did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday, the start of the country’s weekend.
Oman and Iran border the narrow waterway, one of the world’s most important for oil and liquefied natural gas cargos.
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