Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian faced an unexpected detour during a recent trip when all three of his official vehicles broke down after refueling with contaminated gasoline. The incident occurred near Takestan in Qazvin province, where the president’s car and security team’s vehicles stalled shortly after filling up at a highway gas station. A senior inspector confirmed that the fuel was mixed with water, a recurring issue at the station, which had prior violations but remained operational.
President Opts for Taxi Over Government Assistance
Despite the mechanical failure, President Pezeshkian declined help from local authorities and instead hired a private taxi to continue his journey to Tabriz. His special inspector, Mostafa Moulavi, noted that the president did not contact the provincial governor or request emergency support. The National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company (NIOPDC) later acknowledged past complaints against the gas station but provided no explanation for why it was still operating.
Widespread Fuel Quality Issues in Iran
Fuel contamination is a chronic problem in Iran, with drivers frequently reporting water-diluted gasoline and manipulated pump meters. Many complain of receiving less fuel than paid for, while videos documenting these issues circulate widely on social media. Despite public frustration, energy officials deny systemic flaws in fuel distribution, leaving consumers to deal with unreliable fuel quality.
Political Implications of the Incident
The president’s taxi ride has drawn attention to Iran’s struggling fuel sector, raising questions about oversight and corruption in oil product distribution. With no official statement from the president’s office or Petroleum Ministry, critics argue that without stricter enforcement, such incidents will keep happening.