Oman hints at Hormuz tolls, market wary on oil flows

Oman, positioned as a neutral mediator between Iran and the U.S., is reportedly weighing a fee‑like system for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz as part of talks with Iran. While Oman says any agreement will comply with international law, experts note that transit passage typically bars charging for passage, creating a governance risk markets often overlook. A move to fees could affect costs, insurance, and the roughly 20% of global oil that moves through Hormuz, even as the U.S. opposes tolls and negotiations unfold under a limited 60‑day window.