**As Fuel Prices Rise Again, Iran’s Government Urges Citizens to Cut Back**
*Tehran, Iran – September 8, 2026* – In a move to address ongoing economic challenges, the Iranian government has announced another increase in petrol prices, prompting officials to urge citizens to reduce their fuel consumption. This decision comes as the country grapples with declining revenues and the need to sustain a costly subsidy regime.
According to state media, the price of petrol will remain unchanged for the first 60 litres (approximately 16 gallons) consumed monthly. However, motorists who exceed this limit will face a significant price hike. For those using more than 110 litres (around 29 gallons) per month, the cost will double from 50,000 riyals to 100,000 riyals (about $0.07) per litre.
Despite having some of the lowest petrol prices globally, Iran's economy has been severely impacted by ongoing sanctions and military tensions, particularly with the United States. These factors have led to a decrease in oil revenues, prompting officials to reconsider the structure of fuel subsidies that have long been a staple of the Iranian economy.
In a recent television address, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of the Iranian parliament, emphasized the need for responsible fuel consumption. “If we consume it properly, we can manage with the amount of gasoline we produce in the country,” he stated. Ghalibaf acknowledged that part of the high consumption issue stems from industrial practices rather than individual usage.
As Iran continues to consume more oil than it produces, the country has not been able to return to pre-war production or export levels. The rising fuel prices have sparked concern among citizens, with reports of long queues at petrol stations in Tehran circulating on social media, indicating a growing energy crisis.
This latest increase in petrol prices marks the second adjustment since December 2025. The potential for further price hikes has raised alarms about possible unrest, reminiscent of the widespread protests that erupted in 2019 following similar fuel price increases. Iranians are already facing the consequences of a struggling economy, characterized by high inflation and a depreciating national currency, the rial.
The government's call for reduced consumption comes at a time when many citizens are feeling the financial strain of rising costs and economic uncertainty. As the situation continues to evolve, the Iranian leadership faces the challenge of balancing economic stability with public sentiment in a country where fuel price changes can lead to significant social unrest.