Iran is said to be collecting payments from some oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with fees reportedly paid in Chinese yuan. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, this system has started to take shape after weeks of tension involving the United States and Israel.

Reports suggest that oil tankers may be charged around $1 per barrel. For very large crude carriers (VLCCs), this could add up to about $2 million per trip. The system is being described as an unofficial toll, where ships pay for safe passage through one of the world’s most important oil routes.

Shipping intelligence firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence says Iran is acting like a “toll operator” in the region. The firm claims that ships are required to submit details such as cargo information, crew list, and destination before they are allowed to pass.

These details are reportedly reviewed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which checks the cargo and screens vessels for geopolitical reasons. Oil shipments are said to be given priority during this process.

While not every ship is paying these fees, at least two vessels reportedly have, with payments made in yuan. This could raise concerns, as such transactions may go against existing sanctions from the United States and Europe. Iran has not clearly explained the system, but officials have hinted that some form of payment is being received.