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Japan’s big shipping company Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has clearly refused to accept Iran’s demands. In the month of April, three big ships of the company passed through the Strait of Hormuz without any transit fees. Iran is trying to collect toll tax from ships passing through this sea route, due to which controversy has now increased at the international level.

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Why did the Japanese company refuse to pay the fees?

Japanese company MOL confirmed that three of its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz on April 3, 4 and 6. Iran had asked for transit fees from these ships, but the company refused to pay it. MOL CEO Jotaro Tamura said on April 23 that his company would comply with international law. According to international law, everyone has the freedom to pass through this sea route, hence the company will not fulfill such demands in future also.

Iran’s new rule and America’s strict warning

Iran will establish a new government agency on 7 May 2026 to increase its control over this route. Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) Is made. This agency will now work to provide passage to ships and collect toll. It is reported that Iran is demanding a fee of up to 2 million dollars from some ships and wants this payment to be done in its own currency ‘Rial’. On the other hand, the US Treasury Department (OFAC) has warned shipping companies around the world on May 5. America has clearly said that if any company gives money to get safe passage to Iran, then American sanctions may be imposed on them.

Impact on sea routes and Iran’s big plan

• News of road closure: Shipping intelligence firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence said that this route was closed till May 7 and no ship passed here after May 4.
• Earning Target: Iranian MP Ahmed Naderi has suggested that by completely occupying this route, Iran can earn 10 to 15 billion dollars a year.
• Legal Dispute: Everyone has the right to pass through this route under International Maritime Law (UNCLOS), but Iran has not fully followed this law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is PGSA and why was it created?

PGSA stands for Persian Gulf Strait Authority. Iran has created it on May 7, 2026 so that it can approve ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and collect toll tax from them.

What are the risks to companies if they pay Iran fees?

The US OFAC department has warned that any shipping company that pays transit fees to Iran may face US sanctions.