Canary Islands probe anomalous fuel price surge on same day as Iran war

The Canary Islands Government’s Ministry of Economy, Industry, Commerce and Self‑Employed has commissioned an urgent report to analyse the sudden rise in fuel prices across the archipelago following the outbreak of the war in Iran.

Manuel Domínguez, vice‑president of the autonomous community and minister of the department, described the coincidence as “surprising” and “anomalous,” noting that the price jump occurred on the very day the conflict began.

“If it is proven that there was any irregular conduct or abuse of power, we will act accordingly,” Domínguez said in an official statement, without specifying which link in the supply chain might be implicated.

The case is now being processed by the Directorate General of Commerce and Consumption. Should any irregularities be identified, the government will forward the matter to the Canary Competition Council for further action.

Domínguez added that the regional executive is holding talks with industry employers to explore possible measures. He emphasized that, if the central government relaxes the spending rule or permits temporary borrowing, the Canary Islands would have greater flexibility to mitigate the impact on residents:

“If the central executive allows us to borrow or relax the spending rule, even temporarily, we will have leeway to take measures and relieve Canary citizens.”

The investigation follows broader regional concerns, with the Canary Islands and the Basque Country urging Prime Minister Sánchez to convene autonomous governments to discuss the ramifications of the Iran war.