Petrol, diesel, aviation fuel consumption crash as energy prices rise across Nigeria

Fuel shortages are causing long petrol queues to form across Tehran, Iran, as motorists desperately seek fuel. Several stations have closed or faced disruptions, mainly in the eastern and southern parts of the city. Videos and images show lines of cars stretching around filling stations, with some drivers facing lengthy waits to refuel.

Similar issues have been reported in other cities, such as Kerman and Mashhad. Despite a surge in gasoline distribution in Tehran, the shortages persist. Fereydoun Yassami, the regional manager of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company, reported that over 26 million litres of gasoline were distributed in Tehran on Monday, a record for the current Iranian year.

This amounted to about 30% more than usual. However, Tehran's president's office head, Mohsen Haji Mirzai, hinted at a reduction in petrol quotas. While subsidized fuel prices would remain unchanged, the cost of non-subsidized fuel would increase, with the government still reviewing this decision. The surge in petrol demand may be due to panic buying as drivers fear further supply restrictions.

Recent reports also suggest that there are limits on the amount of fuel motorists can receive, contributing to the queues. Even though Iran is a significant oil producer, it has struggled to balance gasoline consumption with domestic refining capacity. The current situation has been worsened by the broader conflict and restrictions impacting Iran’s access to fuel supplies and energy infrastructure.

The US recently imposed new sanctions aimed at weakening the country’s economy to disrupt peace efforts in ending the war. The immediate situation in Tehran is characterized by rising demand clashing with a strained distribution network, with some motorists queuing for hours and stations running out of fuel, even as more gasoline is being supplied to the capital.

Although the government has not declared a nationwide fuel shortage, the growing lines are heightening public anxiety about fuel prices, availability, and the reliability of essential services.