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Market Chatter: Iran Suspends Charge on Foreign Vessels Taking Energy Products To or From Iran

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Iran has suspended a 10% levy it charges foreign vessels carrying energy products either to or from the country, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing the Fars news agency.

However, the purpose or potential impact of this at a time when the US says it has blockaded the country's ports looks unclear.

The order to halt collection of the fee was given by the presidential legal deputy pending the approval and publication of a list of products that will be subject to the charge, Fars said, according to the Reuters article.

Fars said that suspending the charge could encourage foreign ships to bring goods in or out of Iran, noting that its imposition had increased transport costs for oil, gas and petroleum products.

has emailed Iran's Ministry of Petroleum seeking confirmation and comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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