Iran Advances Fuel Voucher Program as Final Gas Price Tier Under Deliberation
In a weekly press briefing, Government Spokeswoman Fatemeh Mahagerani outlined key government initiatives and addressed several pressing national issues, from energy costs to water infrastructure.
Fuel Subsidies and Import Burden
Ms. Mahagerani confirmed that the government’s fuel voucher program is moving forward, with no changes planned to the volume or price of gasoline quotas. She highlighted the significant financial pressure this places on the state, revealing that the government is compelled to spend $6 billion on gasoline imports. This is due to a substantial gap, as the actual production cost of gasoline is approximately 70,000 tomans per liter.
Despite these challenges, she assured the public that a final decision on a potential third pricing tier for gasoline has not yet been made and remains under comprehensive review.
Aging Water Infrastructure and Sanctions Impact
Addressing concerns over water wastage, particularly through aging transmission lines, the spokeswoman acknowledged the issue. “The water transmission network is worn out, and a significant amount of water loss occurs there,” she stated. She detailed that the government has a continuous program in place to reduce this loss, which includes renovating dilapidated systems and expanding the drinking water network.
Ms. Mahagerani emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring public access to drinking water, especially in areas facing water stress. She also noted that the effects of long-standing international sanctions have contributed to these infrastructural challenges, hindering timely upgrades and maintenance.
New Voucher Scheme to Stabilize Household Costs
In a move to support household livelihoods, a new comprehensive voucher scheme is set to be implemented. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Labor, Agriculture, the Planning and Budget Organization, and the Parliament.
“The sensitivity regarding household livelihoods is a key focus for both the government and the parliament,” Ms. Mahagerani said. The primary goal of the scheme is to shield families from inflation by stabilizing the prices of essential goods. Full details will be announced to the public following its official approval.
Strategic Drug Reserves in “Excellent” Condition
The government spokeswoman provided reassuring news regarding the nation’s medical supplies. She confirmed that the foreign currency allocation for medicine imports remains unchanged from the previous year. Of the $36.8 billion in foreign currency announced by the Central Bank for commodity imports, $9.4 billion has been earmarked for essential goods and pharmaceuticals.
“Strategic reserves of medicine are in an entirely good condition,” Ms. Mahagerani stated. “Those who use various medications should have no concerns about supply.” She affirmed that this applies to both specialized drugs for patients with specific conditions and general medicines, all of which are maintained at optimal and satisfactory levels.