Iran Exempts Malaysian Tankers from Strait of Hormuz Tolls

The Government of Iran has exempted Malaysian vessels from tolls recently imposed by an Iranian parliamentary commission on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed the exemption, noting that Malaysia is considered a friendly party. Seven Malaysian tankers owned by Petroliam Nasional (Petronas), Sapura Energy, and MISC were awaiting clearance to sail, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim thanked President Masoud Pezeshkian for facilitating the release of these ships and their crews.

While Malaysia and other Asian nations, including Thailand, have secured bilateral agreements to permit passage, Iran continues to block entities it deems hostile. These restrictions occur amidst high maritime risks, including a recent Iranian drone strike on a Kuwaiti tanker off Dubai.

Some shipping companies are employing stealth tactics to navigate the chokepoint. The Greek-controlled tanker Pola, managed by Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd., successfully crossed the strait after disabling its tracking system in the Persian Gulf on March 10. Carrying approximately 1 million barrels of crude oil, the vessel was redetected by tracking systems on March 31 near Sumatra, Indonesia, while en route to Thailand.