Iran’s maritime forces have detained an Eswatini-flagged vessel accused of carrying a large quantity of smuggled gasoil. The incident, reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, highlights Iran’s ongoing efforts to curb fuel smuggling driven by heavily subsidized domestic prices.
Vessel Detained With 350,000 Litres of Smuggled Fuel
According to a senior commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ navy, the seized vessel was transporting 350,000 litres of gasoil believed to be smuggled. Acting under a judicial order, the vessel was escorted to the coast of Bushehr, where its cargo will be offloaded for further investigation.
The commander added that the vessel’s crew comprised thirteen Indian nationals and one individual from a neighbouring country. Authorities have not released additional details regarding their status or upcoming legal proceedings.
Iran Intensifies Crackdown on Maritime Fuel Smuggling
Iran continues to face widespread fuel smuggling due to its extremely low fuel prices kept down by government subsidies and a weakened national currency. These economic conditions incentivize illegal transport of fuel by land to neighbouring countries and by sea to various Gulf states.
Maritime smuggling has become increasingly common, and Iranian authorities have ramped up enforcement measures, including monitoring territorial waters and detaining vessels suspected of illicit fuel transport.
The seizure of the Eswatini-flagged vessel underscores Iran’s tightened crackdown on fuel smuggling amid economic pressures and regional demand for low-cost fuel. As investigations proceed, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges Iran faces in securing its borders and combating illegal fuel trade routes.
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Source: Reuters
