Drivers in the Iranian capital of Tehran are experiencing long lines at gas stations and temporary fuel shortages, according to Iranian news agencies, although authorities have insisted the overall fuel supply chain remains stable.
It comes as US strikes on Iranian oil storage infrastructure, the US blockade and fears of rising inflation are believed to be triggering fuel shortages and subsequent rushes on gas stations.
Iranian news agency Rokna reported that people in Tehran said some petrol stations had no gas available, forcing them to temporarily close, while other stations had long lines on Monday and Tuesday.
Tabnak, another news agency, published a similar report on Monday, saying it received comments from readers who were experiencing restricted fuel availability in eastern and southern Tehran.
Social media users in Tehran also reported gas stations without petrol in more urban, northern neighborhoods. And outside of the capital, reports of diesel and gas shortages in Mazandaran province and Fars province have emerged on social media. CNN is unable to independently verify those reports.
The National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company (NIOPDC) has said the country’s fuel supply chain remains stable, and the shortages and long lines are being caused by rumors that lead to panic buying, as well as delays in fuel deliveries. The distribution company said the issue “should be resolved within the next few days,” according to Rokna.
The Tehran region director of the NIOPDC also said that damage inflicted on Tehran’s petroleum product storage and distribution infrastructure during the war has created some constraints on fuel distribution.
