Introduction
Due to the country’s specific geographical position, the phenomenon of fuel smuggling is present across almost all of Iran’s borders. Fuel smuggling ranks first among all types of outbound smuggling in Iran, accounting for nearly 90% of the total. Abdolmanaf et al. (2026), in their study on fuel smuggling in Malaysia, supported the development of an integrated GC based forensic framework aimed at enhancing Malaysia’s capacity to combat fuel smuggling and IUU fishing activities. Farzamaher and Moradi (2024), using both classical and spatial clustering techniques, provided an overview of smuggling patterns across Iranian provinces from 2009 to 2017. Fuel smuggling can generate a wide range of consequences in the regions involved, including political security, economic, cultural, social, and even environmental impacts. Examining these consequences can lead to a better understanding of the issue and the development of appropriate policy responses. The issue is particularly significant in Iran’s border provinces. Among them, Sistan and Baluchestan located in the far southeast of the country and sharing long borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan faces acute challenges. For many residents of its border areas, fuel smuggling has become a coping strategy to mitigate livelihood hardships. Severe economic deprivation and high unemployment in the border regions of Baluchestan (southern parts of the province) have played a major role in the recent rise of fuel smuggling. Given the lack of opportunities for decent employment, many residents have turned to this activity as a source of income. Sarbuk District, as a border region within Qasr e Qand County, shares characteristics common to other parts of the province: high unemployment, low income, and limited access to basic services, and scarcity of natural resources for agricultural employment, insufficient government investment in industry and services, and inadequate provision of essential needs. Fuel smuggling has produced various economic and social consequences in this region. Considering the local context, this study seeks to examine these consequences in Sarbuk District in southeastern Iran.
 
Methodology
This applied research employs a descriptive–analytical methodology. The statistical population consists of rural residents from eight selected villages in Sarbuk District who are currently engaged in fuel smuggling. A total of 316 individuals were identified through field surveys conducted over an eight month period (April 2020 to November 2020). Village selection was based on predefined criteria, resulting in the inclusion of Chandukān, Hajiabad, Dezbon, Sarbuk, Gehjan, Bag, Koshok, and Hamiri. Researchers conducted field surveys to identify individuals and households whose livelihoods depend on fuel smuggling. Questionnaires were distributed using simple random sampling and based on the availability of respondents. Data collection tools included books, documents, and official reports. Fieldwork involved questionnaire completion and interviews with rural residents. For data analysis, SPSS software was used, employing descriptive statistics (frequency distribution tables, measures of central tendency such as mean, mode, and median) and the Friedman test. Face validity was used to assess questionnaire validity, and Cronbach’s alpha was applied to evaluate reliability, yielding a coefficient of 0.808, indicating acceptable reliability.
 
Results and Discussion
Findings show that unemployment is the most significant reason for choosing fuel smuggling as an occupation, cited by 47% of respondents. Additionally, 36% reported entering this activity due to its relatively high income, indicating that although they were previously engaged in agriculture, livestock raising, gardening, and similar activities, the higher and easier income from fuel smuggling motivated their shift. Friedman test results indicate that the three most important economic consequences of fuel smuggling in the study area include: Covering household living expenses (e.g., money, water, electricity, and telephone), Meeting daily essential needs (food and clothing), and Purchasing agricultural land in the village. The three most significant social consequences identified through the Friedman test include: A growing preference among villagers for low effort, high profit work, and increased bribery by some individuals in the region, reduced unemployment and social delinquency in rural areas. Field observations further reveal that fuel smuggling has led to the emergence of new occupations in Sarbuk’s villages. For example, due to the frequent movement of fuel transporting vehicles, technical and mechanical services have expanded in Hajiabad and Dezbon. Over recent years, workshops such as repair shops, tire services, car washes, and auto parts stores have grown significantly, largely due to the traffic of fuel smugglers along the Sarbuk–Jakigour (Pakistan border) route. Interviews indicate that many residents were previously engaged in fuel smuggling, and some still consider it a secondary occupation. Moreover, increased income from fuel smuggling has enabled villagers to build new houses and invest in other rural development related occupations.

 
Conclusion
Text Although the findings suggest that fuel smuggling has reduced theft and delinquency and that fraud among smugglers is relatively low at present, the influx of individuals from other regions seeking income may generate long term challenges. Potential long term social consequences include the growth of law evading attitudes, weakening of the work ethic, increased traffic insecurity, and rising mortality rates particularly when the family breadwinner is lost, causing severe and irreversible harm to the household. Despite some relatively positive short term economic outcomes, the negative social and long term economic consequences should not be overlooked. Ultimately, addressing the phenomenon of smuggling solely through state and law enforcement mechanisms without considering the role, status, and culture of local communities is unlikely to be effective and may even exacerbate smuggling. Complex and sensitive issues such as smuggling require people centered, non coercive, and community based approaches, with active participation from local residents.