Fuel crisis grips Iran as caps imposed amid talks with Washington

• Fuel shortages spread across multiple Iranian provinces with long queues at stations.
• Government imposes daily cap while critics cite infrastructure failures and smuggling.

A renewed fuel crisis is affecting several provinces across Iran, including the capital Tehran, with long lines at gas stations and mounting public concern over supply stability.

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The disruption comes as sensitive negotiations between Tehran and Washington are underway in Islamabad, adding pressure to an already strained domestic situation.

Long queues and public anxiety

Reports describe heavy congestion around fuel stations, with vehicles lining up for extended periods as supplies tighten.

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Citizens have voiced concern over the broader implications of the crisis, particularly fears that a breakdown in diplomatic efforts could trigger renewed conflict or harsher sanctions affecting Iran’s energy sector.

Nationwide strain on supply

The shortages are not limited to a single region, with disruptions reported from Bandar Abbas and Sistan and Baluchestan to the capital, indicating widespread logistical challenges.

The scale of the disruption suggests pressure on both distribution networks and refining capacity.

Government imposes fuel cap

Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said authorities have introduced a daily fuel cap of 30 liters per vehicle.

He described the measure as necessary to prevent a broader collapse of the distribution system, citing high consumption levels that have reportedly exceeded 130 million liters per day.

Competing explanations

While officials point to rising demand as the main cause, opposition figures argue the crisis reflects deeper structural issues.

Mehdi Oghbae said the problem lies in deteriorating refining and transport infrastructure rather than crude supply shortages.

Separately, Nasser Boladai alleged that fuel smuggling in regions such as Sistan and Baluchestan is worsening local shortages, claiming involvement by networks linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.