Gaza’s transport grinds to a halt amid spare parts crisis
Gaza’s Transport Grinds to a Halt Amid Spare Parts Crisis
Gaza s transport grinds to a halt – Gaza’s once-bustling transport system is now facing a severe crisis, with the lack of essential spare parts threatening to bring daily operations to a standstill. The flow of goods into the territory has been significantly curtailed, and the scarcity of critical components has left vehicles stranded and services disrupted. According to the Government Information Office in Gaza, the number of commercial and humanitarian lorries entering the Strip has fallen far below the 600-per-day quota outlined in the ceasefire agreement. Data reveals that less than half of the required lorries have actually crossed into the region, creating a bottleneck that has crippled mobility for both residents and businesses.
Escalating Costs and Market Shift
Local business owners describe a stark transformation in the market, where once-abundant supplies have given way to a severe shortage. Since the ceasefire began, over 3,000 vehicles have entered Gaza, but only a single lorry has transported spare parts. This scarcity has led to a cascade of problems, with cars and buses parked due to the unavailability of tires, batteries, and oil. Mahmoud Sami, a bus company owner in central Gaza’s Maghazi area, shared his concerns with Euronews. “The buses are parked and the cars are parked, we have no tyres, no batteries and no oil,” he said, highlighting the dire situation.
“The buses are parked and the cars are parked, we have no tyres, no batteries and no oil.”
Sami’s buses, which once operated daily routes, are now largely out of service. The soaring costs of spare parts have made it impossible for many to maintain their vehicles. For instance, a single bus tyre now costs up to 20,000 shekels (€5,725), while a battery may reach 15,000 shekels (€4,295) or more. These prices have risen sharply compared to pre-war conditions, where similar components were more affordable. Drivers are forced to adopt creative solutions, such as swapping tires between vehicles, to keep a few running. However, such measures are temporary and cannot sustain long-term operations.
Market Imbalances and Black Market Influence
Experts attribute the crisis to a combination of restricted imports and inadequate regulation. Economist Ahmed Abu Qamar noted that the black market has capitalized on these imbalances, setting prices that far exceed official rates. This has created a disparity where even when parts are available, they are often unaffordable for the average citizen. For example, travel fares between Gaza’s central camps have increased from one shekel to five, reflecting the growing economic strain.
The issue has become more than just affordability; it’s now a matter of supply. Rushdi al-Khor, chairman of the Automotive Spare Parts Association, stated that the parts permitted into Gaza do not meet 5% of market demand. Furthermore, many of these components fail to meet industry standards, raising concerns about their reliability. This has pushed residents and businesses to seek alternative solutions, such as using improvised or second-hand parts, and even recycled oil to keep their vehicles functional.
Impact on Emergency Services
The crisis extends beyond commercial vehicles, affecting emergency response teams that rely on a steady supply of parts and fuel. Major Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the Civil Defence Authority, reported that the agency’s operational capacity has dropped to just 10%. He noted that Gaza City now has only three vehicles remaining in service, a sharp decline from previous levels. In August 2025, the authority revealed that 60% of its fleet had been rendered inoperable due to shortages of both fuel and spare parts.
To cope, teams have resorted to using used motor oil, which, despite causing significant engine damage, is the only option available. This improvisation has shortened the lifespan of vehicles and reduced their efficiency. Basal warned that if the situation worsens, responders may have to rely on foot travel or civilian vehicles to reach incident sites, further straining already limited resources.
Regional Conflict and Long-Term Outlook
The ongoing regional conflict has exacerbated the situation, creating a cycle of instability that disrupts supply chains. Prices of spare parts and oil have fluctuated wildly, making budgeting for maintenance nearly impossible. The Civil Defence Authority has already experienced the consequences of these fluctuations, with teams forced to adapt their operations to unpredictable costs. If the shortage continues, the transport and services sector could face near-total paralysis, cutting off access to hospitals, workplaces, and essential services.
Analysts emphasize that the problem is not isolated to immediate shortages but reflects deeper systemic issues. The restrictions on goods entering Gaza, combined with the lack of regulatory oversight, have created a perfect storm. As a result, the cost of car repairs has surged from 2,000 to 2,500 shekels (€575–€715) to over 17,000 shekels (€4,865). This has left many residents unable to afford basic repairs, further compounding the crisis.
Engine oil, once priced at around 300 shekels (€85) per liter, now costs more than 1,000 shekels (€285). The sharp rise in prices has forced individuals to purchase in bulk or wait for extended periods, adding to the logistical challenges. Specialists warn that using old or substandard parts, particularly in braking systems and tires, increases the risk of accidents. This is a critical concern for both daily commuters and emergency responders, who depend on reliable vehicles to function.
Broader Economic Consequences
With the current state of affairs, the economic impact is becoming increasingly apparent. The lack of spare parts has not only halted personal and commercial transport but has also disrupted supply chains that support businesses and households. For instance, the absence of tires has left delivery services unable to operate, affecting the distribution of food, medical supplies, and other essentials. This has created a ripple effect, with many families and businesses struggling to maintain operations.
Experts predict that the situation will worsen unless there is a significant improvement in the flow of goods and aid. The ongoing restrictions on imports, coupled with the rising costs, could lead to a complete breakdown of the transport sector. This would have far-reaching consequences, including the inability to reach hospitals, schools, and workplaces, which are essential for daily life. The economic strain is also affecting the livelihoods of drivers and mechanics, who are now operating in an environment of uncertainty and high costs.
As the crisis deepens, the reliance on limited transport options is becoming more pronounced. Residents are increasingly dependent on a shrinking number of functioning vehicles, which can only sustain a fraction of their needs. The situation has also highlighted the vulnerability of Gaza’s infrastructure to external pressures, with the transport sector serving as a barometer for the broader economic challenges faced by the population. Without intervention, the spare parts shortage could escalate into a full-blown collapse of mobility, leaving Gaza’s citizens in a state of prolonged hardship.
