Iran is facing growing petrol supply pressure as domestic production fails to meet demand. A senior Iranian official confirmed the shortage on Wednesday.
Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah said petrol production remains below the country’s needs. He also blamed a US naval blockade for restricting imports.
The official IRNA news agency reported Ghaempanah’s remarks. He said Iran cannot import enough petrol because of the blockade.
The situation has already affected motorists across the country. Long queues have formed outside petrol stations in recent days.
The shortage comes as the conflict with the United States creates increasing economic pressure. Fuel supplies have become a major concern for Iranian authorities.
On Monday, Iranian President’s Chief of Staff Mohsen Haji-Mirzaei discussed possible changes. He said petrol quotas would be reviewed.
However, he did not provide further details about the proposed changes. Authorities have not yet explained how the new quotas could affect consumers.
Conflict Adds Pressure on Fuel Supplies
The current petrol shortage is linked to the wider conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The war began after Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran on February 28. Tehran later took control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The United States responded by imposing a naval counter-blockade on Iranian ports. The blockade has complicated Iran’s ability to import fuel.
Iran remains a major oil-producing country. However, its domestic refining capacity has struggled to meet petrol demand.
The country also maintains some of the world’s lowest fuel prices. Petrol has remained heavily subsidised for many years.
Iran Questions Petrol Subsidy System
Ghaempanah also criticised the existing petrol subsidy system. He said the current distribution system is not fair.
According to the official, people with multiple vehicles receive greater benefits. Meanwhile, people without vehicles receive little or no benefit.
He argued that the subsidy system needs to be reconsidered. The government may face pressure to change how petrol subsidies are distributed.
Any changes could prove politically sensitive for Iranian authorities. Cheap fuel has long been an important part of the country’s economic policy.
The latest petrol shortage could therefore increase pressure for reform. Officials may need to balance fuel availability with public concerns over prices.
For now, motorists continue to face queues at petrol stations in several areas. The government’s planned review of petrol quotas could determine the next steps.
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The situation highlights the economic impact of the ongoing conflict. Iran now faces the challenge of securing fuel supplies amid restrictions on imports.
