Strait of Hormuz 'toll booth' set up; tankers detour via Larak

Iran has effectively created a controlled shipping corridor north of the Strait of Hormuz near Larak Island that functions as a de facto 'toll booth' for selected vessels, raising concerns among international shippers and governments. The arrangement has become visible in maritime tracking and diplomatic communications over recent weeks.

The corridor appears to be managed under the oversight of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which requires vessels to submit full documentation, obtain clearance codes and accept IRGC-escorted passage. Shipping intelligence firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence has traced dozens of transits using the Larak detour since March 13, and reported that at least two vessels have paid for passage — one fee reported to be around $2 million — while other ships have adopted evasive identity practices described as 'zombie' tanker activity.

The new practice is already disrupting normal maritime flows and adding cost and delay to shipments from the Persian Gulf. Commercial traffic through the established central channels has dropped sharply, prompting some operators to reroute, wait for clearance, or rely on diplomatic intervention. The shift carries immediate implications for regional energy exports and insurance and freight markets, and has increased market sensitivity to future supply shocks.

Although international law recognizes transit passage through straits used for international navigation, Iran has communicated to the International Maritime Organization that non-hostile vessels may transit under coordination with Iranian authorities — a position that critics say seeks to institutionalize Tehran’s control and monetize transit rights. Regional capitals and shipping stakeholders warn that normalizing such a system could undermine established legal norms and incentivize copycat measures in other chokepoints.

Market and sanctions analysts say the near-term outlook will depend on whether payments and escorted transits become routine and how Western governments, insurers and banks respond. Legal advisers note that paying IRGC-linked fees may expose carriers and financiers to sanctions risk, which could deter broader participation and sustain market dislocation. Traders will likely watch vessel movements, insurance premiums and any official clarifications from OFAC, IMO or major flag states for signs of stabilization.