The admission by senior Iranian regime officials that an increase in gasoline prices is inevitable demonstrates the depth of the regime’s financial crisis.
Mohammad-Jafar Ghaem-Panah, executive deputy to Iranian regime president Masoud Pezeshkian, admitted that an increase in gasoline prices is inevitable and acknowledged the high costs of importing fuel. Referring to the impact of the naval blockade, he stressed that domestic gasoline production is insufficient to meet the country’s needs and that new management measures must be implemented. These remarks come as numerous reports have emerged of long lines at fuel stations across the country. Fearing the eruption of livelihood-related protests similar to those in 2019, regime officials have yet to announce a final decision on the timing and extent of a price increase.
The severe diesel shortage at fuel stations across the country has once again seriously disrupted the road transportation fleet. In many provinces, truck drivers are forced to wait for days in long lines stretching for kilometers to receive their basic fuel allocations. The Ministry of Oil’s mandated reduction in fuel quotas has severely affected the livelihoods of this sector and the distribution of essential goods. Experts are warning about the economic consequences of this crisis and the possibility of a complete halt to road transportation.
The release of videos showing long diesel lines at 5 a.m. reveals new dimensions of the country’s fuel crisis. Heavy-vehicle drivers wait for hours before sunrise to receive a meager amount of fuel. Despite repeated promises, Iranian regime officials are unable to address the people’s most basic livelihood needs.
Documented reports indicate that around 5 million liters of gasoline are systematically smuggled directly from Iranian regime refineries every day. This widespread plunder takes place while Iranian youth and citizens are forced to wait for hours in long gasoline lines. The astronomical revenues generated by this smuggling flow into the pockets of mafia gangs affiliated with the regime.
Contrary to claims by regime officials, the gasoline crisis in Iran is not caused by high consumption by citizens but is the result of systematic plunder.
