No toll fee for Philippine-flagged vessels in Strait of Hormuz, says DFA
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine-flagged vessels and energy shipments to the Philippines will not be charged to cross the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
“[Regarding] the reported toll fee, there is no toll fee,” the DFA told reporters in a message.
Reports have previously indicated Iran has set up a "tollbooth"-like system along the Hormuz and has reportedly charged millions of dollars for oil tankers to pass through the waterway.
Yesterday, the DFA announced that it has secured Iran's assurance that Philippine-flagged vessels, "energy sources" and all Filipino seafarers would be allowed safe and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The DFA statement described Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro's call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi as "very productive."
There were high hopes that the call would produce concrete assurances that more energy shipments would enter the Hormuz and reach the country, as the Philippines, along with the rest of the world, struggles with its dwindling fuel reserves. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last month declared an energy emergency to deal with the crisis, given its overall oil supply inventory would only be good for less than two months.
The Department of Energy has yet to comment on Manila's breakthrough with Tehran and provide details on the number of fuel shipments to be expected following the opening of Hormuz to the Philippines.
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