US President Donald Trump has demanded a 20% compensation for shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, or about $30 million for fully loaded supertankers.

This figure is based on current oil prices of around $80 per barrel. Supertankers can carry about 2 million barrels of crude.

In contrast, Iran had been imposing up to $2 million per voyage on an irregular basis, according to people familiar with the matter.

On Monday, Trump reimposed the US blockade on Iranian ships crossing Hormuz and said the US would become the 'guardian' of the waterway and 'as a matter of fairness, will receive a 20% compensation for all shipments passing through.'

The White House did not provide further details on Trump's fee proposal, including how it would be administered or whether US allies in the Gulf had been informed.

Shipping sector surprised by Trump's proposed fees

The shipping industry reacted to the US president's announcement with a mix of surprise and some skepticism. About 12 people involved in shipping markets, including some whose tankers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks, said they had received no prior warning of potential fees on shipments transiting the waterway.

They added that, in the absence of details, it is too early to know how any plan would affect their transit decisions.

A ship captain, who requested anonymity, described such fees as akin to a 'highway armed robbery.'

The battle for control of Hormuz is seen as pivotal for both the US and Iran, as a fragile ceasefire collapses. The strait typically accounts for about 20% of global oil and gas flows.

In a post on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said: 'Absolutely right. Those who provide safe and secure passage for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for this service.'

He added: 'Of course, 20% is very high. We will be fair.'

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