Iran suspends 10% freight charge on foreign vessels carrying energy products

Iran has temporarily halted a 10% levy on foreign vessels transporting oil, gas, and liquid petroleum products to and from the country. The suspension, effective immediately as of September 10, 2026, was ordered by the presidential legal deputy and signals Tehran’s attempt to lower the cost of doing business for foreign carriers willing to navigate an increasingly hostile maritime environment. What Iran is actually doing The suspended charge had applied to foreign-flagged vessels moving energy cargoes into or out of Iranian ports. By dropping the fee, Iranian officials are betting they can coax more foreign carriers into participating in the country’s energy logistics chain. The order is pending the release of an official list specifying exactly which products fall under the suspension, but the broad categories, oil, gas, and liquid petroleum products, cover the core of Iran’s export economy. No specific shipping companies or vessels were named in connection with the policy change. The blockade problem Iran’s freight charge suspension is a direct response to the US naval blockade that has significantly curtailed the country’s seaborne energy exports. The Strait of Hormuz, through w...