Iran is facing growing pressure on its fuel supplies as a US naval blockade makes it harder for the country to import petrol.
Against that backdrop, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has urged citizens to reduce their fuel consumption.
The warning comes as long queues appear at petrol stations in Tehran and officials acknowledge that domestic production cannot fully meet demand.
Ghalibaf Calls for Lower Petrol Consumption
Ghalibaf addressed the issue in a televised speech on Tuesday.
He acknowledged that high petrol consumption is not entirely the public’s responsibility. According to him, Iran’s industrial system also contributes to the problem.
Nevertheless, he said citizens must conserve gasoline.
Ghalibaf stressed that public cooperation would help the country manage its available fuel supplies.
Iran Petrol Shortage Linked to Import Problems
The Iran petrol shortage has become more serious because the country is struggling to bring in enough fuel.
Iranian Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah recently said domestic petrol production was insufficient.
He also said the US naval blockade had made fuel imports difficult.
As a result, authorities are now asking people to reduce consumption instead of relying heavily on additional imports.
Petrol Queues Grow in Tehran
Meanwhile, drivers have faced longer waits at petrol stations in Tehran.
The queues have added to concerns about the country’s fuel supply.
Iran has historically maintained heavily subsidised fuel prices. Therefore, domestic demand remains high, placing additional pressure on the country’s refining and distribution system.
Officials have also indicated that petrol quotas could come under review.
US Blockade Adds to Economic Pressure
Washington imposed the naval blockade after Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway plays a major role in global oil and gas shipments.
The United States has also introduced additional sanctions designed to increase pressure on Iran’s economy.
Consequently, Tehran faces difficulties on several economic fronts while the conflict continues.
Government Considers Petrol Quotas
Iranian officials have already raised the possibility of changing petrol quotas.
Such a move could help authorities control consumption if domestic supplies remain tight.
However, fuel restrictions could also create additional pressure for ordinary households.
Ghalibaf therefore called for cooperation before the government takes more restrictive measures.
Ghalibaf Promises More Food Subsidies
The parliament speaker also addressed the wider economic difficulties facing Iranian families.
He announced plans to increase funding for the country’s electronic food subsidy programme.
The additional support would target lower-income groups that are experiencing the greatest economic pressure.
Ghalibaf said the government and parliament wanted to reduce the burden on households.
Inflation Raises Public Concerns
Iran’s fuel problems come as consumers already face significant economic challenges.
Inflation has reduced purchasing power and made basic goods more expensive.
At the same time, the ongoing conflict has created additional uncertainty.
Therefore, the government faces growing pressure to maintain essential supplies while supporting vulnerable households.
Previous Economic Protests Still Cast a Shadow
Economic concerns have already triggered major public demonstrations in Iran.
Protests that began over economic issues in late 2025 later developed into a broader anti-government movement.
Although authorities eventually contained the unrest, economic dissatisfaction remains a major concern.
The latest fuel shortages could add another layer of pressure if petrol supplies become increasingly difficult to secure.
Government Says Public Welfare Is a Priority
Ghalibaf sought to reassure citizens that their wellbeing remains a priority.
He said government efforts should focus on reducing pressure on households and preventing further dissatisfaction.
His comments come as officials attempt to balance fuel conservation with economic support.
The challenge will become more difficult if the blockade continues to restrict imports.
Iran Must Balance Supply and Demand
Iran produces significant amounts of oil, but producing crude oil does not automatically guarantee sufficient petrol supplies.
Refining capacity, domestic consumption and import access all influence the amount of gasoline available to drivers.
For now, authorities are relying on conservation to bridge the gap.
If demand remains high, however, officials may face stronger pressure to introduce quotas or other measures.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Central to the Crisis
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the wider confrontation.
The waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and carries a major share of global energy shipments.
Iran’s closure of the route and the subsequent US response have therefore created consequences far beyond the country’s borders.
The fuel difficulties inside Iran show how the confrontation is also affecting domestic supplies.
What Happens Next?
Iranian authorities will closely monitor petrol consumption in the coming days.
They will also assess domestic production and the possibility of securing additional supplies.
Meanwhile, the government is preparing greater food assistance for households facing the heaviest financial pressure.
For ordinary Iranians, however, the immediate concern is simple: keeping enough petrol available while prices, shortages and economic uncertainty continue to weigh on daily life.
The Iran petrol shortage has therefore become both an economic and political challenge for Tehran.
