Tehran, Aug 2026 : Iran is struggling to secure sufficient petrol supplies as domestic production falls short of demand and a US naval blockade prevents the country from importing the fuel, a senior Iranian official said.
Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah said the shortage was becoming increasingly difficult to manage amid the ongoing conflict with the United States. The official IRNA news agency quoted him as saying that domestic petrol production was insufficient and that the naval blockade had made imports difficult.
The comments come as growing numbers of Iranians have been seen waiting in long queues outside petrol stations, highlighting the increasing economic impact of the conflict. While the confrontation initially centred on military operations, pressure on Iran’s energy supplies and broader economy has intensified in recent days.
Iranian authorities have also indicated that changes to the existing fuel distribution system could be considered. On Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s chief of staff, Mohsen Haji-Mirzaei, said petrol quotas would be reviewed, although he did not provide details about possible changes.
The conflict between Iran and the United States began on February 28, with tensions subsequently escalating around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has taken control of the waterway, while Washington has responded with a naval counter-blockade targeting Iranian ports.
Ghaempanah also criticised Iran’s long-standing petrol subsidy system, arguing that it has created an unequal distribution of state support. He said people who own multiple vehicles receive greater benefits from subsidised fuel, while those without vehicles receive little or no advantage.
“The distribution of petrol in the country is inequitable,” he said, according to IRNA.
Iran is one of the world’s major oil-producing countries and has traditionally maintained some of the lowest petrol prices globally through extensive government subsidies. The system has helped keep fuel affordable for consumers but has also placed a significant financial burden on the state.
Any attempt to reduce subsidies, alter petrol quotas or increase fuel prices is likely to be politically sensitive, particularly during the current conflict.
The emerging petrol shortage therefore presents another challenge for Tehran as it attempts to maintain domestic supplies while facing restrictions on fuel imports and increasing pressure on its economy.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
