According to the Financial Times, Iran is reportedly requiring oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz to pay tolls using cryptocurrency. The reported payment methods include Bitcoin and stablecoins such as Tether (USDT).
Under the reported system, vessel operators must contact Iranian authorities prior to entering the waterway and provide details about their cargo. Authorities then respond with a toll quote, reportedly set at around $1 per barrel of oil being transported. Payment is expected to be made in digital currency before ships are permitted to pass.
If implemented, the policy would represent a significant shift in how one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes is managed. The Strait of Hormuz handles a substantial share of global oil shipments, making any changes to its operation highly consequential for international trade.
Analysts note that the use of cryptocurrency could complicate sanctions enforcement and financial oversight, while also raising questions about legality, compliance, and the broader implications for global energy markets and maritime security.
