President Pezeshkian Urges Plans to Lower Gasoline Consumption
TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for measures to reduce gasoline consumption and optimize fuel use, urging government bodies to lead efforts to conserve energy amid economic challenges.
Addressing a cabinet meeting on Sunday evening, Pezeshkian said the administration is continuing efforts to increase gasoline production while distributing fuel in accordance with output levels.
He expressed confidence that the Iranian people, as they had done in the past, would cooperate with the government and understand the circumstances facing the country.
The president stressed, however, that conservation must begin with government institutions themselves.
He also called for plans to reduce the use of government vehicles and the amount of fuel consumed by state institutions.
The president instructed officials to devise measures to reduce the number of trips made by government vehicles and optimize their use.
Pezeshkian referred to efforts by Iran’s enemies to exacerbate the country’s economic difficulties, as well as the problems that typically arise in the aftermath of any war, particularly the challenges Iran had faced regarding gasoline.
Gov’t Weighs Plans to Curb Gasoline Imports
Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad said the government is considering several plans to address the gap between gasoline production and consumption, but no decision has been finalized.
Speaking to IRIB on Sunday, Paknejad said part of the gasoline supply shortfall is currently being covered through imports.
“The government’s goal is to reduce gasoline imports to the minimum possible level,” he said.
Paknejad said part of the country’s resources are being spent on gasoline imports and that, given economic constraints, continuing the current trend is not sustainable.
He said several proposals have been put forward to manage the imbalance between gasoline production and consumption and are being reviewed by experts.
“The decision-making process is continuing until these proposals reach the decision stage,” Paknejad said, adding that if a plan is finalized, the public will be informed of its details before any implementation begins.
Addressing reports about possible new gasoline prices, Paknejad said some of the figures circulating in the media are merely speculation and should not be considered official until a final decision is made.