Qatar open to temporary Strait of Hormuz charges but rejects permanent fees
Qatar has voiced opposition to any permanent transit charges in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such fees would ultimately increase costs for consumers around the world.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Doha and other Gulf states do not support the introduction of a long-term toll system for vessels passing through the strategic waterway.
“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 left the door open to temporary charges tied to specific operational needs, such as restoring safe navigation.
“But for certain times that they say they will use it for mine-clearing or some usage of the fees for a temporary time, this is something that is negotiable,” he added.