Iran’s IRGC Seizes UAE-Managed Tanker For Smuggling Fuel In The Persian Gulf

Oil Tanker Ship — Image for representation purposes only

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) captured a UAE-managed, Togo-flagged tanker in the Persian Gulf, alleging that it was involved in fuel smuggling.

The ship carrying approximately 1500 tonnes of marine gas oil was seized on July 21, 2024, about 60 nautical miles southwest of Iran’s port of Bushehr, according to the IRGC and the UK security firm Ambrey.

Per the IRGC, the tanker was intercepted while en route from Khor al Zubair, Iraq, to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

The vessel named Betelgeuse and its 12 crew members from India and Sri Lanka have been transferred to the Bushehr anchorage and are currently under Iranian supervision.

Iranian authorities justified the seizure by alleging that the vessel was involved in systematic fuel smuggling and that the action was taken in response to a judicial order.

The IRGC’s statement, reported by Iran’s state news agency, emphasized the tanker’s alleged involvement in illegal fuel activities.

Fuel smuggling is a major issue in Iran due to the country’s subsidized fuel prices, among the lowest in the world due to domestic subsidies and the devaluation of the Iranian rial.

The illegal trade involves purchasing inexpensive fuel locally and illegally exporting it to neighbouring countries at higher costs.

According to Ambrey, while such incidents are common, the current seizure appears to be a routine enforcement operation rather than a politically motivated one.

In recent years, Iran has frequently detained foreign-flagged vessels in the Gulf for similar charges, though some cases were linked to political pressure.

The seizure of Betelgeuse coincides with Iran’s continuous efforts to prevent fuel smuggling, a longstanding issue exacerbated by the country’s economic situation.

Reference: Reuters, AA

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