Yemen's Houthi-run maritime authority has rejected reports that it plans to impose fees on vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, insisting passage remains free of charge.

The Houthi-controlled Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) issued a statement on Saturday categorically denying plans to levy charges on ships transiting the strategic Red Sea waterway. The denial comes after Reuters reported earlier in the week, citing regional sources, that the Iran-aligned group was considering implementing such fees following a maritime blockade declaration against Saudi Arabia.

According to the Reuters report, discussions regarding potential shipping fees were held between Houthi officials and Iranian representatives during a visit to Tehran in July, though no implementation timeline was established at that point. However, the HOCC characterized its transit oversight as a voluntary, cost-free service provided to commercial vessels.

The maritime authority stressed that any individual or organization demanding payment for passage through the strait does not represent either the Houthi administration or the HOCC itself. The organization has cautioned shipping companies against making payments to unauthorized entities and urged them to refrain from sharing sensitive information with unauthorized sources. The statement appears designed to prevent confusion among international maritime operators regarding legitimate transit arrangements through the Bab el-Mandeb, one of the world's most critical shipping corridors.