Severe Traffic Disrupts Fuel Stations in Western Mazandaran

The manager of the oil products distribution in western Mazandaran stated that the creation of 'severe traffic' on the roads has rendered some fuel stations in this province 'inactive.' Touraj Amani described the unprecedented number of tourists entering Mazandaran during the holidays to the Mehr News Agency on Wednesday, September 14, saying, 'Heavy traffic has caused difficulties for the oil tanker and fuel delivery fleet on the roads.' According to this news agency's report, citizens and travelers faced closures and lack of services at some fuel stations in western Mazandaran since yesterday afternoon. The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) also reported long lines for gasoline in Tonekabon, Abbasabad, Nashtaroud, Salman Shahr, and Ramsar. Is the new restrictions a precursor to a gasoline price increase? The manager of oil products distribution in western Mazandaran mentioned that part of the fuel needed for this region comes from Rasht, stating, 'Under normal conditions, it takes three to three and a half hours for these tankers to reach the area, but in traffic conditions, the travel time increases to seven years.' The special governor of Tonekabon also told IRNA that seven fuel trucks from Rasht entered the county but arrived late at the station due to the high volume of traffic. He continued, 'If the gasoline shortage issue is not resolved in two weeks in the western province, we will face more problems.' Domestic media in Iran have reported that in recent days, 'over 20 million travelers' have entered this province. Previously, the supply of gasoline in various regions of Mazandaran has been disrupted due to the presence of travelers during summer holidays. Fuel stations in the west and center of this province were unable to provide services for 72 hours in early Mordad last year. At that time, local officials also cited heavy road traffic as the main reason for this issue.