Iran faces fuel shortages and petrol queues following new US sanctions

Long queues and temporary closures at petrol stations have been reported in Tehran and parts of Iran, including Mazandaran and Fars provinces, following the announcement of new United States sanctions. The fuel shortages follow US strikes on Iranian oil storage infrastructure and a blockade that has impacted the Strait of Hormuz.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the new measures as an attempt at “economic asphyxiation” to sever economic lifelines of the Iranian regime. While the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company (NIOPDC) maintains that the fuel supply chain remains stable, attributing the shortages to panic buying and rumors, officials noted that damage to petroleum storage and distribution infrastructure during the ongoing war has created constraints.

Local residents expressed concerns regarding rising inflation and the potential for renewed social unrest. The economic pressure comes amid a military stalemate and previous domestic protests that were met with government crackdowns.