War and Sanctions Deepen Iran's Fuel Crisis

Following Washington's announcement of fresh economic sanctions on Iran, gasoline scarcity has become increasingly apparent on the streets of the country. Long lines at gas stations are reported in various cities, with some people arriving early in the night or sleeping in their cars to secure fuel for the next day. Certain stations are even closing before serving everyone in the queue.

The situation is particularly dire for diesel, with truck drivers facing queues that stretch for kilometers, forcing them to wait overnight to obtain enough fuel for their return to work.

Iran currently experiences a daily gasoline deficit of around 15 million liters. This crisis has been exacerbated by war damage, difficulties importing refined products, and an intensifying US blockade. The legacy of structural problems has been further compounded by sanctions. In cities outside the capital, such as Karaj, filling stations are limiting individual purchases to about 5 liters (roughly 1.3 gallons).

A resident recounted spending 45 minutes in a gasoline line, only to find several stations closed or without fuel. He tried again the following morning, still encountering long queues.

For truck drivers, waiting translates to lost income. Their livelihoods involve either waiting in diesel lines or being on the road. Some drivers have been waiting since 8 a.m., only to find no fuel the previous day. The shortage has coincided with the use of methanol in domestically produced gasoline, which the refinery has begun testing at a rate of around 0.5%.

While Iran's refining authorities claim this complies with national fuel standards, it has fueled public suspicion. Videos have surfaced showing motorists with bottles of clear fuel, alleging its quality has deteriorated, though these claims have not been independently verified. One incident involving water contamination in Rafsanjan has been confirmed, but authorities attribute it to a technical fault.

Distrust over fuel quality is growing among motorists. Some have spent significant sums repairing vehicles they believe were damaged by poor-quality gasoline. There are concerns about the government's possible plans to increase fuel prices, as the subsidy system is argued to encourage excessive consumption and smuggling, straining state finances.

However, consumers point to other issues, such as inefficient cars, inadequate public transport, and stagnant incomes. The government's proposed solution involves bringing domestic fuel prices closer to international levels, but this comes with its own set of political risks.