Average rates for Aframax and Suezmax tankers since Sept. 25 when the sanctions were levied have hit $30,000 a day, up from $20,000, said Teekay spokesman Ryan Hamilton. On some Aframax routes the rates have run as high as $40,000 a day, he said.

(Reporting by Gary McWilliams; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)