Tehran: Panic buying and long queues at gas stations

Panic buying gripped Tehran as motorists lined up for hours at gas stations, with some queues reportedly stretching over a kilometer. Residents described scenes of drivers waiting through the night as rumors of fuel shortages circulated widely.

President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged that the government is facing challenges exacerbated by the ongoing conflict initiated by the U.S. and Israel. He urged government officials to use the state vehicle fleet sparingly and called for public cooperation in managing fuel consumption.

Data from the "Khabaronline" portal indicated that Monday saw the highest gasoline sales in Tehran this year. Fereydoun Yasemi, a regional manager for the National Petroleum Company, stated that some stations had to temporarily halt operations due to running out of fuel. He attributed the record demand to rumors about a potential fuel deficit spreading on social media.

Iran's energy infrastructure was targeted during significant attacks by the U.S. and Israel in March and early April. Gasoline is heavily subsidized in Iran, with car owners able to purchase up to 60 liters per month at a lower price using electronic payment cards. Exceeding this limit results in a substantial price increase. Past fuel price hikes, such as one seven years ago, have triggered nationwide protests, making any perceived shortage a sensitive issue.

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The government must also cooperate.