Iran is currently facing a serious shortage of fuel, with reports of contaminated petrol adding to the crisis. Officials have cited several factors contributing to the situation, including ongoing tensions with the United States, international sanctions, and the high cost of importing fuel. In major cities like Tehran, Mashhad, Rasht, Saravan, and Chabahar, long lines have formed at petrol stations as people struggle to access quality fuel. Many residents say they can only obtain fuel with special cards, and some have waited hours in the heat for just a small amount of petrol. In some areas, petrol stations have run out of supply and have had to close. Concerns about the quality of the available fuel have also grown. Drivers report problems such as rough engine performance, warning lights, reduced acceleration, and overheating after refuelling. In cities like Shahr-e Rey and Rafsanjan, there have been incidents of vehicles breaking down shortly after filling up, leading to speculation that methanol—often used as a fuel additive—may be present in higher-than-allowed amounts. Methanol is a type of alcohol that can be used in fuel but must be carefully regulated to avoid damaging engines. While officials from Iran’s Ministry of Oil claim that methanol use is within legal limits, experts warn that exceeding those levels can cause serious harm to vehicles. To address the crisis, officials have considered raising petrol prices. Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah, Iran’s executive vice-president, has pointed out that the current selling price of petrol is much lower than the cost of producing it. President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced plans to increase the price of the third-tier petrol from 5,000 to 10,000 tomans. This move has raised concerns about a potential rise in inflation, as higher fuel costs could lead to increased prices for goods and services across the country. Critics argue that the fuel crisis is not just a result of the US conflict, but also stems from long-term issues such as underinvestment in refining capacity, an aging transport system, the production of fuel-inefficient vehicles, and the government’s focus on military and nuclear programs. For many Iranians, the fuel shortage has become a symbol of the broader economic struggles and declining quality of life they face daily. The situation highlights the growing difficulty of managing basic needs in a country dealing with both internal and external pressures.