Long queues have formed at petrol stations around Tehran as the US blockade triggers fuel shortages and spreads alarm among motorists. The Energy Optimisation Organisation says Iran faces a critical shortfall of 15 million litres daily against a demand of 135 million litres. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced expanded secondary sanctions on Iran’s trading partners, tightening the economic noose.

Iran’s subsidy system provides petrol at world‑cheapest prices (15,000–50,000 rials per litre), but soaring inflation and a plunging currency have strained government resources. President Masoud Pezeshkian questioned selling petrol below market cost, while his office head Mohsen Haji‑Mirzaei indicated plans to cut quotas and possibly raise prices beyond allocated limits. A pilot price increase in Kerman was halted after hours, recalling the 2019 protests that followed a sudden hike.

With inflation near 90 % and food prices up 130 %, any fuel price adjustment remains a sensitive trigger for social unrest.