{"aiVersion":"1","content":{"id":"cmrjy4suv0004jgdjwzvhp23a","slug":"how-a-20-toll-at-the-strait-of-hormuz-could-raise--20260714","title":"How a 20% Toll at the Strait of Hormuz Could Raise Shipping Costs","level":"EASY","publishedAt":"2026-07-14T01:02:01.288Z"},"topic":{"slug":"how-a-20-toll-at-the-strait-of-hormuz-could-raise--20260714","category":"business"},"article":{"paragraphs":["President Donald Trump said he will reinstate a U.S. blockade and charge a 20% fee on cargo that passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The fee is to pay for the cost of providing safety and security for ships. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman and it carries about 20% of the world’s oil.","Shippers and insurers worry that a 20% fee will raise costs for companies that move oil and other goods. Some logistics experts say the fee, together with higher war-risk insurance and rerouting, could more than double the cost of moving oil through the strait. Higher shipping costs can make fuel and everyday goods more expensive in many countries."],"wordCount":118,"readTime":2},"vocabulary":[{"word":"blockade","example":"The blockade stopped ships from leaving the port.","phonetic":"/ˈblɒk.eɪd/","definition":"When a country stops ships from entering or leaving an area."},{"word":"fee","example":"The company charged a small fee for delivery.","phonetic":"/fiː/","definition":"A payment for a service."},{"word":"insurance","example":"The ship had insurance for storm damage.","phonetic":"/ɪnˈʃʊə.rəns/","definition":"A payment that protects against loss or damage."}],"quiz":[{"answer":"President Donald Trump","question":"Who said the U.S. will charge a 20% fee?"},{"answer":"20%","question":"What percent fee will be charged on cargo?"},{"answer":"Strait of Hormuz","question":"Where is the fee applied?"}],"discussion":[{"question":"Do you worry when you hear about higher shipping costs? How would that affect your daily life?"},{"question":"Have you ever bought something that became more expensive because of transport costs? What was it?"},{"question":"What do you think about paying extra fees for safety when you travel or buy goods?"}]}