Fuel Policy Debate: MP Critiques Implementation, Calls for Transparent Dialogue
A member of Iran’s parliamentary Economic Commission has called for greater public transparency and robust planning regarding government decisions on fuel pricing, sparking a discussion on the methodology of economic reforms.
A Call for Clarity and Courage
Mohammad Bennabi, speaking during a debate on SNNTV, addressed recent government considerations on gasoline prices. He argued that if the state intends to significantly alter pricing, it must engage in an open dialogue with the citizenry.
“We must talk to the people and state the facts,” Bennabi stated. “Both the advantages and the disadvantages of decisions must be explained. We cannot keep people in the dark and then expect decisions to be implemented without tension.”
Learning from Past Reforms
The MP extended his critique to the implementation of past economic reforms, describing a major 2022 economic adjustment as “not a strong surgery.” He asserted that the policy was “flawed and incomplete from the very beginning” and failed to rectify the country’s economic infrastructure.
Bennabi emphasized that future decisions must be bold and meticulously planned. “Half-baked and temporary decisions will not only fail to cure the economy,” he warned, “but will also increase public distrust.” His comments underscore a push within the political sphere for policies that are both strategically sound and communicated effectively to ensure national understanding and cohesion.