Iran's fuel crisis worsens amid war damage and new sanctions

Long queues have formed at fuel stations across Iran as the country grapples with a sharp contraction in gasoline supplies. The bottleneck follows a series of disruptions that include damage to domestic refineries and pipeline networks, tighter import limitations, and the recent imposition of United States sanctions targeting Iran’s fuel trade.

The damage to key oil‑processing facilities, inflicted during regional conflicts, has reduced the output of refined products at a time when the government has been unable to secure sufficient imports to offset the shortfall. Restrictions on maritime shipments, compounded by the new U.S. sanctions that prohibit the sale of fuel and related equipment to Iran, have further narrowed the flow of gasoline into the market. As a result, distributors are rationing deliveries, and motorists in major cities report waiting hours for a limited amount of fuel.

Authorities have acknowledged the shortages and warned that the situation may persist until repairs are completed and diplomatic channels allow the resumption of sanctioned imports. In the interim, the government is urging citizens to conserve fuel and is exploring alternative supply routes to mitigate the impact on daily transportation and the broader economy.