Fuel Card Integration Delayed: Government Aims for Streamlined Subsidies and Efficiency
Tehran – A planned integration of Iran’s fuel card system with national bank cards, initially slated for implementation by late summer, has yet to be realized, despite its anticipated benefits for streamlining subsidies and curbing misuse.
A Pending Initiative
Despite an earlier announcement from the Oil Minister that the linkage would be operational by the end of the Persian month of Shahrivar (mid-September), the system remains unconnected. We are now well into the following month of Mehr, with no visible launch of the promised integration.
Core Benefits of the Plan
The primary advantages of this initiative, as outlined by officials and energy experts, focus on enhancing the fuel distribution system’s integrity and efficiency.
- Curbing Misuse and Illegal Sales: A direct link between fuel and bank cards would ensure every fuel purchase is directly registered and tracked. This system is designed to significantly increase the ability to detect and prevent potential violations and illegal sales within the fuel station network and distribution chain.
- Optimizing Consumption Patterns: Energy specialists believe this method can lead to more realistic and optimized fuel consumption. It would enable direct access to consumption history and facilitate intelligent, data-driven limitations. This empowers citizens to better manage their fuel usage and helps prevent waste.
- Streamlined Subsidy Distribution: The integration would allow for the direct payment of fuel subsidies or discounts to citizens at the point of purchase. This not only simplifies the process of receiving government support but also paves the way for precise financial reporting for both the state and the public, ensuring transparency.