Oil-rich Iran runs dry: Petrol stations shut as drivers circle empty pumps for hours
Long lines of vehicles snaked around petrol stations across Tehran and other key Iranian cities this week as widespread fuel shortages forced many pumps to shut down or limit sales, leaving motorists scrambling for scarce supplies. Drivers reported traveling between multiple stations only to find them closed or empty, with waits stretching two hours or more at those still operating. Get it: Fast,…
In Tehran and other major Iranian cities, drivers faced lengthy delays and empty petrol stations this week due to severe fuel shortages. Long lines snaked around many stations as motorists struggled to fill their vehicles with limited supplies. Some stations imposed daily purchase caps, restricting customers to about 20 litres (5 gallons) of petrol per car.
The energy optimisation organisation reported a daily demand of 135 million litres of petrol, with a shortfall of 14-15 million litres that needed to be met. The crisis stemmed from record demand, damage to Iran's refining and storage infrastructure from the ongoing conflict, and disrupted oil imports due to a US naval blockade since mid-July.
The US and Israeli strikes earlier this year also caused damage to refining and distribution facilities. Panic buying and the prospect of reduced fuel quotas and higher prices for those exceeding their allotments further exacerbated the situation. Iranian officials announced that fuel quotas would be "cut" while the subsidised price remained unchanged, with excess purchases facing higher costs.
Despite assurances from state-affiliated outlets and some claims that the supply chain remains stable, reports of enduring shortages and disruptions persisted across Tehran and provinces.
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