Public Reports on the 'Chaotic Situation' of Gas Stations; Oil Minister: Consumption is High

Despite reports of ongoing chaos regarding gasoline distribution in Iran, the Oil Minister of the Islamic Republic claims that 'all gasoline supply stations in the country are active' and asserts that gasoline consumption has increased this year, with '17 billion liters' more distributed than last year. On Thursday, August 17, Javad Owji, the Oil Minister, stated that gasoline consumption in Iran has 'increased by 13 percent' and that '17 billion liters more gasoline has been distributed compared to last year' so far this year. According to Javad Owji, 'increased traffic' in the country has caused the 'daily average' consumption to reach '119 to 120 million liters.' Meanwhile, citizen reports indicate that the gasoline distribution situation in some areas of Iran is 'chaotic.' A citizen's account from a gas station in Rask County in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan depicts an unfavorable gasoline situation. Another citizen in Boukan, a city in the northwestern province of West Azerbaijan, shows a long gasoline queue and asks, 'What dream have they seen for us?' This chaos is not reflected in official reports. For instance, a video released by state television shows a 'surprise visit' by Mohammad Mokhber to a gas station, accompanied by a news team, where the First Vice President asks drivers about their satisfaction with gasoline distribution. Although Islamic Republic officials downplay the gasoline crisis and dismiss rumors of a price increase, Behnaz Ahmadi-Nia, an energy journalist, told VOA that the Rouhani government also denied gasoline price increases. As the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death and the nationwide protests of the second half of 2022 approach, the gasoline crisis in Iran has become newsworthy in recent days. Some analysts view the current gasoline situation in Iran as indicative of a 'new crisis.' The newspaper Etemad also referenced widespread protests following the sudden gasoline price increase in November 2019, stating, 'The experience of November 2019 has already weakened the government's stance on a new price shock for gasoline.' Meanwhile, the head of the Energy Commission of the Iran Chamber of Commerce has stated that there is a possibility of a gasoline price increase and that we should prepare for hard days. In recent days, multiple reports of water and electricity outages in various Iranian cities have emerged. Additionally, some media outlets have suggested that the rising price of bread in several provinces is a precursor to an increase in gasoline prices. Long queues and concerns about a gasoline price increase have been discussed with Reza Ghaibi, highlighting long lines at some gas stations and fears of another price hike.