War in Iran: Information hub

The war in Iran and ongoing conflict across the Middle East are causing major disruptions to trade routes across the region.

The situation is also driving sharp increases in fuel prices, placing additional pressure on road transport operators.

Operators across the region are working in extremely challenging and unpredictable conditions to keep goods moving and ensure communities and businesses remain supplied.

IRU, the voice of the road transport industry globally, is supporting operators and drivers on the ground and advocating for political action.

How governments can help

To ease the impact on transport operators providing critical services to communities and businesses across the region, governments should:

Release oil reserves to help stabilise fuel prices
Reduce fuel taxes, which often represent a large share of the pump price
Facilitate driver visas to allow foreign drivers to transit countries more easily
Open borders without requiring trailer body swaps, simplifying operations and lowering transport costs

At the EU level, we have called on the European Commission's President to coordinate the release of strategic oil reserves, enable temporary flexibility on fuel excise duties, and allow targeted crisis support for companies under EU state aid rules.