Petrol queues deepen across Iran as fuel shortages hit Tehran

Long lines are forming at petrol stations in Tehran due to fuel shortages and supply disruptions, causing motorists to scramble for fuel. Some stations have closed or faced disruptions, especially in eastern and southern Tehran. Videos and images show lines of cars stretching around filling stations, with motorists facing lengthy waits to refuel.

The shortage is occurring despite a significant increase in gasoline distribution in Tehran, with more than 26 million litres distributed on Monday – a record for the current Iranian year. This represents a 30% increase in distribution compared to usual levels. Tehran’s regional manager for the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company stated that petrol quotas would be reduced somewhat.

He confirmed that subsidized fuel prices would remain unchanged but the price of non-subsidized fuel would rise, although the government is still reviewing this decision. The surge in demand appears to be driven by panic buying as drivers fear further supply tightening. There have been reports of fuel allocation limits, further exacerbating the queues.

Iran is a major oil producer, yet it has long faced challenges balancing gasoline consumption with domestic refining capacity. The crisis has been worsened by wider conflict and restrictions limiting Iran’s access to fuel supplies and energy infrastructure. The US has imposed new sanctions aimed at weakening Iran’s economy, potentially breaking the deadlock in peace efforts to end the war.

Currently, there is a picture of rising demand clashing with an increasingly strained distribution network, with motorists lining up for hours and some stations running dry even as more gasoline is being supplied to the capital. While the government has not indicated a nationwide fuel shortage, the growing queues are already causing public anxiety over prices, availability, and the reliability of basic services.