Iran's government is struggling with an energy imbalance as summer demand outpaces supply, but remains reluctant to cut fuel subsidies or raise prices for fear of triggering widespread protests.

Facing strikes on energy facilities from the war with Israel and the US, Iran's gasoline production capacity has dropped from 115 million to 110 million litres per day while consumption surged to 140 million litres daily, forcing the government to limit fuel card usage to 10-15 litres per day and leaving it unable to raise prices due to fears of social unrest like the 2019 protests.