Farud Asgari, the Head of Iran’s Customs, has criticized that around 30 oil tankers carrying transit oil from Iraq have been stranded at the Islam Qala customs in Afghanistan.
Iranian media reported on Sunday, December, 8, citing the country’s official, that Iranian truck drivers are allowed to either unload their cargo in Afghanistan or return through the Iranian route to Iraq.
Asgari stated, “We are unable to guarantee the cargo for Iranian drivers stuck in Afghanistan because the goods belong to a foreign seller and a foreign buyer, and as Iran’s customs, we cannot make decisions regarding the cargo.”
He called on the Taliban regime to address the issue with Iraq and find a resolution.
More than 100 Iranian oil tankers had been stopped at Islam Qala around three months ago due to being deemed “non-standard,” with around 70 tankers able to leave the border.
This comes at a time when, in recent years, hundreds of oil tankers have been returned from Afghanistan to Iran due to “poor quality.”
The issue of stranded oil tankers highlights the ongoing trade challenges between Iran and Afghanistan. It underscores the complexities of cross-border logistics and the need for effective communication and cooperation between neighboring countries to resolve trade-related issues.
Both governments must find a mutually beneficial solution to ensure the smooth flow of goods, maintaining the stability of trade routes and avoiding disruptions to regional commerce. Effective coordination is essential for fostering good diplomatic and trade relations between Afghanistan and Iran, especially in the energy sector.
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