“At least 20 truckers and supporters have been arrested in connection with a wave of truckers’ strikes that began on May 22 in cities across Iran, including Sanandaj, Eslamabad-e Gharb, Kermanshah, Rasht, Bandar Imam Khomeini, Bandar Lengeh, and Shiraz,” said the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
Footage shared by the Union of Truckers and Drivers Organizations Across Iran showed drivers striking in 141 cities, including in the Kurdish areas of western Iran (Rojhelat).
“Today, we proudly entered the ninth day of the nationwide strike. A strike that has now reached more than 141 cities and is expanding every day. Alongside the truck drivers, now bus drivers, Nissan [truck] drivers, and urban and suburban drivers are also standing,” the Union said on Friday in a post on Telegram.
The Union called for the “immediate release of our detained colleagues” and vowed to continue their strike action “until our demands are met.”
Iran plans to implement a three-tier diesel pricing system on June 21, raising costs for fuel used beyond GPS-tracked quotas from 1.5 cents to nearly 50 cents per liter. While officials say the move targets fuel smuggling, truckers warn it threatens their livelihoods.
The truck drivers are also demanding fair compensation, better access to parts and services, lower insurance costs, and equitable road tolls.
“We will not move; we will not remain silent. Through unity, we will reclaim our basic rights,” the Union said.
Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehran Ghorbani, during a Thursday broadcast on state TV, said implementation of the new fuel regulations would be delayed until necessary reforms are made to address concerns over fuel price tiers.
“It was decided that from now on, through follow-up and notification, the drivers' fares will be paid to them as soon as possible,” he added.
This is not the first demonstration over fuel prices in Iran. In 2019, nationwide protests broke out over a surprise fuel hike. State security forces responded with force, killing at least 304 people, according to a United Nations report.
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