Qatar opposes any permanent fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz but is open to discussing temporary charges for specific purposes such as mine-clearing operations, Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Saturday.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Sheikh Saoud said permanent transit fees would raise costs for consumers and were opposed by Qatar and its Gulf partners. However, temporary charges linked to restoring safe navigation could be negotiable.
His comments came amid reports of discussions involving Iran and Oman on a possible toll framework for the strategic waterway, through which roughly a fifth of global oil consumption normally passes.
Iran has effectively restricted shipping through the strait since conflict erupted with the U.S. and Israel in late February, disrupting energy markets and trade flows.
The U.S., European countries, and Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, have opposed permanent tolls on vessels using the international shipping route.
Qatar has been involved in diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions and restore maritime traffic.
