Iran unable to import petrol amid US blockade: official

Tehran, Iran – Iran's Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah stated that the country is unable to import sufficient petrol to compensate for inadequate domestic production, citing a US naval blockade as the primary obstacle. The remarks come amid visible signs of fuel scarcity, with long queues forming at petrol stations across the country.

"Petrol production is insufficient, and because of the US naval blockade, we cannot import it," Ghaempanah was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency. This situation intensifies the economic pressure on Tehran, as the conflict with the United States increasingly focuses on financial and trade restrictions.

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Petrol production is insufficient, and because of the US naval blockade, we cannot import it.

Adding to the domestic challenges, Ghaempanah also addressed the distribution of highly subsidized fuel within Iran. He pointed out that the current system unfairly benefits individuals who own multiple vehicles, while those without any vehicles do not gain from these subsidies. This critique suggests internal policy issues compounding the external pressures.

Iran, a major oil producer, has historically maintained heavily subsidized fuel prices, making any adjustments politically sensitive. The ongoing economic strain, exacerbated by international sanctions and the reported naval blockade, places the government in a difficult position regarding both energy supply and domestic economic policy.

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The distribution of petrol in the country is inequitable. Owners of several vehicles benefit from subsidies, unlike those who do not own one.