Iran faces severe fuel shortages and looming price hike amid US sanctions

Across Iran, motorists describe empty fuel stations, extensive queues and closures in affluent Tehran neighbourhoods as well as in Mashhad, Rasht, Saravan and Chabahar. Jafar Ghaderi of the parliament’s Economic Commission warned of a daily deficit of 15-20 million litres and noted that US naval sanctions have disrupted maritime imports that once delivered roughly 83% of the country’s gasoline. Complaints of rough-running engines and overheating after refuelling have raised fears of excessive methanol in the fuel, although the Ministry of Oil maintains compliance with standards.

In response, executive vice-president Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah announced a planned increase of the third-tier petrol price from 5,000 to 10,000 tomans, a move echoed by President Masoud Pezeshkian. The combined shortage, quality issues and price rise threaten to trigger broader inflation and everyday hardship for Iranians.