While the world watches gas prices rise because of the war in Iran, the suffering of Iranians themselves receives far less attention. Western motorists complain about filling their tanks. Inside Iran, families face a far crueler calculation. Every additional transport expense means less money for food, medicine, and rent. For millions already struggling to survive, another increase threatens the fragile arithmetic that keeps hunger from the door.

On September 8, the regime doubled the price of gas purchased beyond the monthly subsidized allowance, from approximately $0.083 to $0.163 per U.S. gallon. Motorists retain access to 15.9 gallons at $0.025 per gallon and another 13.2 gallons at $0.049 per gallon. Officials portray this as a carefully targeted adjustment. Such soothing language offers scant comfort to people whose livelihoods depend on keeping their vehicles moving.

The government insists that only heavier consumers will pay the higher rate. This conveniently overlooks how an economy functions. Drivers delivering meals, carrying passengers, or transporting purchases provide services across society. When their costs rise, the pressure travels beyond the filling station. Families without cars can still pay through higher fares and delivery charges. The supposed protection offered by a subsidized quota disappears when other household expenses climb.

Consider a Snapp driver interviewed by Euronews in Tehran. Snapp is Iran’s equivalent of Uber. His monthly gross earnings were 650 million rials ($283), while commissions, petrol, maintenance, and vehicle depreciation swallowed almost 300 million rials ($130). What remained had to sustain his household. Higher fares might protect his........

© Townhall