Iran has initiated a requirement for commercial ships to pay 'service charges' imposed by Iranian authorities for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, based on a disputed claim of sovereignty that has been rejected by both the US and global shipping associations. Although there were 34 confirmed vessel passages on June 30, indicating a tentative reopening, Iran's stipulations are discouraging major tanker companies, while international shipping organizations continue to categorize operations in the strait as 'warlike'. According to commodities intelligence firm Kpler, there is inconsistent route visibility between Iranian and Omani passages. The five US states most vulnerable to prolonged high gasoline prices — California, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and Alaska — stand to suffer the most if the Hormuz service fee policy becomes entrenched.
