Iranian Authorities Intercepted Smuggled Fuel

On 10 May, Iranian authorities intercepted smuggled fuel off Minab. The operation targeted two vessels carrying 185,000 litres of diesel. The value of the cargo is estimated at 50.25 billion rials, or nearly $100,000.
The ships were seized and six crew members were arrested.

Iran is one of the starting points for fuel trafficking. The Islamic Republic, through its subsidies, has led to extremely low prices for petrol.

The traffic is estimated at between 10 and 20 million litres per day and is mainly sold to neighbouring Pakistan.

To combat the increase in smuggling, the government has reinstated fuel cards and rationed petrol in 2019.