SINGAPORE — Qatar has rejected any permanent toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but said a temporary fee could be considered if it helps restore safe navigation through the vital Gulf waterway.
Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, made the remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where regional security and the conflict involving Iran dominated discussions. He said Doha and its Gulf partners oppose permanent transit charges because such costs would ultimately be passed on to consumers.
“Qatar and also the partners in the Gulf stated very clearly that charging fees will always impact the consumer, so we are against this,” Sheikh Saoud said. However, he added that short-term charges tied to a specific purpose, such as clearing sea mines or reopening the waterway, could be negotiable.
The comments come as diplomatic efforts continue to resolve the U.S.-Iran standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil and gas routes. Iran has sought greater control over passage through the strait, while Washington and several allies have insisted that the waterway must remain open and free for international shipping.
Qatar’s position is especially significant because the country depends heavily on the strait to export liquefied natural gas. Any prolonged disruption or permanent fee system could raise energy costs, complicate shipping and affect global consumers.
The remarks also suggest that Doha is trying to balance opposition to Iran’s long-term control of the waterway with practical support for a temporary arrangement that could help reopen shipping lanes safely. Reports from Singapore said the temporary-fee idea could apply only to defined security operations, such as mine-clearing, rather than a standing Iranian toll.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a central issue in wider negotiations to reduce tensions after months of conflict. The United States has opposed any permanent toll system, while Gulf states fear that disruption to shipping could damage their economies and drive up global energy prices.
Sheikh Saoud’s remarks indicate that Qatar may support a limited compromise if it helps restart normal passage. But Doha’s message was clear: a permanent charge on vessels using Hormuz would be unacceptable.
