# Iran gasoline shortage intensifies amid demand surges

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iran-gasoline-supply-constraints
> Updated: 2026-09-01T23:15:56.000Z. Sources: 86. Developments: 14.

The gasoline shortage in Iran has intensified, spreading across provinces including Tehran, Mazandaran, Gilan, Kerman, Hormozgan, and Fars. By late August 2026, several fuel stations reported closures due to supply deficits, forcing citizens to endure long queues. While Keramat Veiskarmi, CEO of the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company, dismissed rumors of shortages and stated that daily distribution increased from an August average of 138 million liters to 150 million liters, other officials describe a worsening crisis. In Tehran, panic buying and rumors have driven record-breaking demand, resulting in queues stretching over one kilometer and lasting late into the night. Fereydun Jasemi, a regional leader for the National Iranian Oil Company, reported that some stations were forced to temporarily suspend operations after running out of fuel. President Massoud Pezeshkian acknowledged difficulties resulting from military actions by the United States and Israel that began in late February. While he urged fuel conservation, he denied that there are actual supply failures. Presidential spokesperson Abbas Pasuki stated that the government is prepared for all scenarios and that there will be no ‘sudden shock’ to the system. Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah has stated that domestic production is insufficient to meet demand and that a US naval blockade is preventing necessary fuel imports. The daily deficit of approximately 15 million liters is being attributed to several factors, including US sanctions, US-Israeli attacks on refining infrastructure, and a naval blockade of Iranian ports in effect since February 28. This blockade has contributed to oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropping to five million barrels per day, down from a pre-war average of 20 million barrels per day. By early September 2026, the crisis has deepened following a new round of economic sanctions from Washington.

## Claims

- An increase in gasoline prices is inevitable. (disputed by 5 sources)
- Gasoline prices will not increase. (disputed by 4 sources)
- A US naval blockade is preventing Iran from importing petrol. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent aims to fully sever Iran from the global economy through economic asphyxiation. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Domestic petrol production is insufficient to meet demand. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The Iranian rial has reached record lows and inflation remains in double digits. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Gasoline distribution in Tehran saw a 30 percent increase, exceeding 26 million liters in a single day. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Sudden demand spikes and traffic congestion on transport routes caused delays in fuel shipments. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Media rumors and upcoming holidays contributed to the surge in fuel demand. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Damage to fuel storage and distribution infrastructure during the Third Holy Defense war has limited Tehran's distribution capacity. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Fuel quotas will be reassessed. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Long queues and station closures have been reported at petrol stations in Tehran due to fuel shortages. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Iran fuel crisis intensifies following new US sanctions

Iran faces a deepening fuel crisis with daily gasoline deficits of 15 million liters, driven by new US sanctions, war damage, and difficulties importing refined products.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-fuel-crisis-intensifies-following-new-us-sanctions

### 2026-08-28: Tehran experiences record gasoline demand amid shortage fears

Rumors of fuel shortages have triggered record gasoline demand and kilometer-long queues in Tehran, despite government assurances that the energy supply remains stable following recent military strikes.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tehran-experiences-record-gasoline-demand-amid-shortage-fears

### 2026-08-27: Iran faces fuel shortages amid U.S. economic pressure

Iran faces critical fuel shortages and hyperinflation amid intense U.S. economic pressure and a naval blockade. Meanwhile, Presidents Putin and Pezeshkian are set to meet in Kyrgyzstan this September.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-faces-fuel-shortages-amid-us-economic-pressure

### 2026-08-26: Iran's oil distribution company denies gasoline shortage rumors

Iran's National Oil Products Distribution Company denied gasoline shortage rumors, reporting that daily distribution has risen to 150 million liters to ensure stable supply.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/irans-oil-distribution-company-denies-gasoline-shortage-rumors

### 2026-08-26: Iran Energy Exchange manages imported super gasoline supplies

The Iran Energy Exchange is supplying imported super gasoline through intermittent shipments, though the origin and transit routes of the fuel remain confidential.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-energy-exchange-manages-imported-super-gasoline-supplies

### 2026-08-24: Iran faces fuel crisis amid US naval blockade and economic sanctions

Iran faces a severe fuel crisis and economic pressure as a US naval blockade and new sanctions target its energy and financial sectors, while US forces report clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz.

54 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-faces-fuel-shortages-and-long-queues-amid-price-hike-news

### 2026-08-24: Iran to reduce gasoline quotas without increasing official fuel prices

Iran will reduce gasoline quotas for its 3,000 and 5,000 Toman tiers to manage consumption, while keeping the 1,500 Toman rate unchanged. Total monthly quotas per vehicle will drop from 160 to 125 liters.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-to-reduce-gasoline-quotas-without-increasing-fuel-prices

### 2026-08-21: Iran faces intensifying gasoline shortage and fuel station closures

A severe gasoline shortage is impacting multiple Iranian provinces, leading to station closures, long queues, and strict rationing as the government prepares for fuel price increases.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-faces-intensifying-gasoline-shortage-and-fuel-station-closures

### 2026-08-16: Iran faces daily gasoline deficit of 14 million liters

Iran faces a daily gasoline deficit of 14 million liters as consumption averages 135 million liters per day, far exceeding domestic refinery production and petrochemical supplements.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-faces-daily-gasoline-deficit-of-14-million-liters

### 2026-08-12: Kerman officials suspend plan to introduce non-subsidized gasoline

Authorities in Kerman, Iran, have suspended a plan to introduce non-subsidized gasoline at 87,200 Tomans per liter, maintaining current subsidized rates following discussions with national officials.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerman-officials-suspend-plan-to-introduce-non-subsidized-gasoline

### 2026-07-28: Iran’s Daily Natural Gas Output Falls 230 Million Cubic Metres After US‑Israel Attacks

Iran says US‑Israel attacks have slashed daily natural‑gas output by 230 million cubic metres, prompting energy‑saving appeals and confirming fuel prices will stay steady.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/irans-daily-natural-gas-output-falls-230-million-cubic-metres-after-usisrael-attacks

### 2026-07-26: Iran's 10,000 Toman Gasoline Price Cut Raises Auto Market Concerns

Iran may cut gasoline price by 10,000 tomans, but a weak auto market—lacking low‑consumption and electric options—limits consumer response, while cars increasingly compete with gold as an investment.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/irans-10000-toman-gasoline-price-cut-raises-auto-market-concerns

### 2026-07-26: Iran daily gasoline shortfall of 20 million liters as imports become nearly impossible

Iran faces a daily 20 million‑liter gasoline deficit; refinery output lags demand and imports are now “almost impossible” due to regional constraints and reduced Russian supply.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-daily-gasoline-shortfall-of-20-million-liters-as-imports-become-nearly-impossible

### 2026-07-26: Iran fuel officials warn of gasoline limits after energy infrastructure attacks

Iran’s fuel chief warns that recent attacks on energy facilities threaten gasoline supply and may lead to consumption limits, urging public to shift to CNG and reduce trips.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-fuel-officials-warn-of-gasoline-limits-after-energy-infrastructure-attacks

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Cite as: Iran gasoline shortage intensifies amid demand surges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iran-gasoline-supply-constraints
