Iran Ramping Up Efforts against Fuel Smuggling

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Police Chief of the Southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchistan Brigadier General Qanbari that through extensive operations carried out by police forces 7.796.792 liters of smuggled fuel have been seized in the province during the first 7 months of the current Iranian year (March 21- October 22). and it shows an increase compared to the corresponding period in last year.

3.9 million liters of diesel. 1.1 million liters of oil. 835.000 liters of gasoline. and 1.9 million liters of other types of fuel have been seized during the operations in addition to the dismantling of 104 fuel smuggling bands. he added.

149 fuel depots and 241 tank-trucks have been confiscated. he said.

Although Iranian rial has experienced a severe depreciation against international currencies in recent months. fuel prices have remained unchanged and this has multiplied the lucrativeness of fuel smuggling in Iran.

As reported in early June. Iran has launched a border market to sell diesel fuel to buyers in Pakistan and Afghanistan to counter smuggling of fuel ate border areas.

Early in this month. Commander of the Border Forces of Khuzestan province Lotfali Pakbaz said that Abadan coast guards in Southwestern Iran identified and seized an oil tanker carrying fuel to neighboring countries.

Last month. the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) captured a vessel in the Persian Gulf for smuggling 250.000 liters of diesel fuel.

The vessel was seized in the IRGC Navy`s 5th region in the Persian Gulf area as it was carrying a large amount of diesel fuel illegally. the IRGC said.

The crew of the smuggling fuel ship. which was stopped and brought under detention 32 kilometers off Iran’s Greater Tunb Island in the Persian Gulf. have been handed over to the judicial authorities to undergo legal proceedings.

The report added that the smugglers said during the interrogation that they had loaded the cargo at the Sang Salameh region and they were carrying it to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).