Gasoline Shortage Forms Long Queues In Southern Iran

Shortage of gasoline across Iran has prompted widespread concern and panic buying, leading to congestion at numerous gas stations across Iran.

Over the past two days, long queues formed at gas stations in the southern city of Shiraz over fears of price hikes and deficit in supply.

The government continues to deny the shortage, saying that people are reacting to "rumors” with the Minister of Oil insisting there is an adequate gasoline supply nationwide.

However, local officials and members of parliament are concerned. Ruhollah Nejabat, Shiraz’s representative in parliament, stated, "In Shiraz, gasoline has not been adequately supplied to the people for two days, despite the Minister's claims to the contrary."

Long queues of vehicles formed at gas stations across the country on Wednesday, despite assurances from regime officials that prices would not increase, and the country's fuel tanks “remained full”.

A video released by the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency highlighted the severity of the situation, showing a queue of vehicles at a gas station in Karaj, west of Tehran, stretching over a kilometer.

Iran's Minister of Oil responded saying that fuel station cards are intended for emergency situations and that the lines forming at gas stations are a result of increased travel.

The current situation harks back to November 2019 when a sudden increase in gasoline prices sparked widespread protests, leading to anti-government sentiments and a strong response from security forces.