Jul 31, 2026 
Aug 1 (Reuters) - Yemen's Houthi-run maritime coordination body denied on Saturday that it planned to impose fees on commercial ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait, saying no such decision had been taken and that passage through the strategic waterway remained free.
The statement follows a Reuters report on Wednesday, citing regional sources, that the Iran-aligned Houthis were considering imposing fees on ships sailing through the southern Red Sea, a week after declaring a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia.
The sources in the Reuters report had said the proposal on fees was discussed with Iranian officials during a visit to Tehran by Houthi officials in July, although no timeframe for implementation had been decided.
The Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) said its "safe transit service was a voluntary and cost-free service".
"The HOCC categorically confirms that any individual or entity requesting the payment of money in exchange for transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait does not represent the Republic of Yemen or HOCC in any capacity whatsoever," it said in a statement.
"The HOCC urges shipping companies not to make any payments or provide any information to unauthorized individuals or entities," it said.
(Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari; Editing by Tom Hogue)
You're reading a free AL-MONITOR Original
Want more like this?
AL-MONITOR All-Access gives you unlimited access to all our journalism, the full Daily Briefing, exclusive interviews, premium newsletters, and live events — for less than $2/week.
Terms and PrivacyRelated Articles
China in touch with Yemen's Houthis to allow ships to sail through Red Sea, sources say
Yemen's Houthis declare naval blockade against Saudi Arabia
Houthis warn shipping companies to avoid Saudi ports, email shows
As Houthis declare Red Sea blockade on Saudi Arabia, oil markets brace for impact
Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech Related Newsletters
Newsletter: China-Middle East China cuts deal with Houthis, adjusts for long US war with Iran
Joyce Karam 
Newsletter: Gulf Riyadh's Yemen dilemma
Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance 
Newsletter: Business & Tech Houthi attacks, Iran uncertainty rattle oil markets
Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech 
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says it doesn’t seek to resume negotiations with Washington
Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO