Iran's Petrol Stations Accused of Diluting Fuel with Water

A widespread practice of fuel contamination and dilution has left Iranian drivers furious. The problem is most pronounced on roads outside Tehran, where some petrol station owners are allegedly mixing water with petrol to increase their profit margins.

Hoshang, a driver who recently traveled from Amol to Tehran, recounted an incident in which his car's fuel gauge showed less than half full after only 50 kilometers. He suspected that the petrol had been mixed with water, and indeed, he was right.

A video circulating on social media shows people complaining at a petrol station in Rafsanjan, where they claim to have bought petrol that was over 80% water. The station operator blamed the National Iranian Oil Company's tanker truck, but some drivers believe that petrol station owners or operators should be held responsible for checking the quality of fuel.

A veteran driver who has driven heavy lorries for years claims that some petrol and diesel station owners are contaminating fuel with water to maximise their profits. He suggests that 9% is a sufficient profit margin, but galloping inflation has made some operators too greedy.