According to Al Jazeera, Michelle Brohard, a senior analyst at marine intelligence firm Kpler, speculates that Iran may be charging a "toll" for safe passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. This could be one reason why oil prices remain high despite a rebound in Middle Eastern crude exports. This claim has not been independently verified, and some scholars believe it more closely resembles an "informal security mechanism." Kpler data shows that Middle Eastern crude exports in the last week of September have recovered and surpassed pre-war levels, reaching 19.5 to 22.5 million barrels per day, yet Brent crude prices remain around $101.59 per barrel.