Oil minister said the government is reviewing a package of fuel demand-management measures aimed at reducing gasoline consumption and imports, with any savings potentially redirected toward improving people’s livelihoods.
Speaking Tuesday at a meeting with members of Parliament’s Article 90 Committee, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said the proposals under review include expanding the use of alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), transferring gasoline quotas from fuel cards to bank cards, and other consumption-management initiatives. Once finalized, the oil industry will implement the government’s directives.
Paknejad said discussions during the meeting focused on ensuring a stable fuel supply and identifying practical solutions to minimize disruptions for the public.
He noted that Iran has faced an energy imbalance for years and said addressing the challenge requires action on two fronts: increasing production and managing demand. While boosting production remains a core responsibility of the oil industry, he said consumption optimization cannot succeed without public cooperation.
The minister emphasized that a portion of the country’s foreign currency resources is spent on gasoline imports. Reducing import needs through better consumption management and efficiency measures would free up resources that could be used to improve living standards, he said.
Paknejad said the government’s strategy is to pursue energy-efficiency and fuel-demand management policies that lower import dependence while directing the resulting savings toward public welfare. He added that efforts will be made to ensure citizens face as few challenges as possible during implementation.
Government Officials “Alongside the People”
Referring to the country’s current circumstances, Paknejad said government officials have remained committed to serving the public during difficult times and that the Oil Ministry is determined to help maintain the best possible conditions for people’s well-being.
He acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in fuel supply, and said the oil industry’s mission is to address them through effective policies and public cooperation.