Fuel carrying is one of the few means of livelihood for many residents in different parts of Balochistan, who are forced into this work due to the lack of stable and suitable job opportunities. This profession comes with numerous dangers, including road accidents, vehicle rollovers, shootings by military and security forces, and natural disasters, making it one of the deadliest occupations for Baloch children, teenagers, and young adults. Severe economic poverty and the absence of sustainable employment opportunities in Baloch-populated regions are the main reasons for the expansion of this activity, while the Islamic Republic of Iran has made no efforts in recent years to improve economic conditions or create stable jobs.
Threats Faced by Fuel Carriers:
- Violent encounters with security forces
- Landmines along border routes
- Poor infrastructure and road accidents
- Fires
- Attacks and robberies by armed individuals
- Natural disasters
Statistics on Fuel Carriers Killed and Injured in 2024
According to reports compiled from the beginning to the end of 2024, at least 479 fuel carriers have been killed or injured due to road accidents, shootings by security forces, attacks by unknown armed individuals, landmine explosions, fires, and drowning incidents.
- 253 individuals were killed, and 226 were injured.
- As a result of shootings, chases, and beatings by military forces, 136 fuel carriers were killed or injured, of whom *63 lost their lives and 75 were wounded (two of these shootings were carried out by Pakistani military forces).
- In attacks and shootings by unknown armed individuals and robbers, 3 fuel carriers were killed and 7 were injured.
- In 2024, at least 2 fuel carriers drowned while engaged in fuel transportation.
- In fire incidents, 3 people lost their lives, and 7 suffered burn injuries.
