Title: Iran Refines Fuel Distribution Strategy to Enhance Efficiency and Curb Misuse
In a significant move to optimize its national fuel distribution network, Iranian authorities have detailed a new policy framework centered on personal smart fuel cards. The initiative aims to maximize the use of these personalized cards, thereby reducing reliance on universal station cards and ensuring a more equitable and efficient allocation of subsidized gasoline.
A Shift Towards Personal Smart Cards
Speaking in a televised interview, Keramat Vais-Karimi, the Managing Director of the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company (NIOPDC), outlined the core objective of the recent government resolution. He revealed that approximately 40% of the nation’s daily distributed gasoline—a substantial 53 million liters—is currently dispensed using universal station cards. The new policy aims to drastically reverse this ratio.
“The main goal is to maximize the use of citizens’ personal fuel cards,” Vais-Karimi stated. “If personal smart cards are used, up to 80% of the people will not need the universal station card, as their rationed gasoline is sufficient.”
Financial Incentive to Encourage Compliance
To encourage this shift, the government has introduced a key financial measure. The price of gasoline purchased using a universal station card will see an increase. This measure is designed not as a general price hike, but as a targeted incentive to motivate citizens to use their personal, ration-based smart cards. The precise timing for this change will be announced at a later date.
Streamlining Allocations for Multi-Car Owners
Addressing the issue of multiple vehicle ownership, Vais-Karimi clarified that under the new resolution, the first and second tiers of subsidized gasoline will be allocated to only one vehicle per individual. Owners of multiple vehicles will be required to designate a single primary vehicle for the ration through a dedicated online self-declaration system. If an owner does not register, the NIOPDC will automatically select one vehicle based on official data.
Government Leads by Example and Expands CNG Focus
Emphasizing the government’s commitment, Vais-Karimi noted that the policy is being implemented first within the state sector. The fuel quota for 180,000 government-owned vehicles has been reset, and they will now procure fuel at the higher, non-subsidized rate.
The official also highlighted the policy’s emphasis on encouraging the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) industry. He reported a significant surge in registrations for converting single-fuel vehicles to bi-fuel systems following the announcement, underscoring the nation’s substantial and underutilized CNG production capacity.
Assurances for Ride-Hailing Services and Infrastructure Readiness
To address concerns within the ride-hailing sector, Vais-Karimi assured that a system is being developed to provide these drivers with a specific financial credit. This credit will compensate for the price difference between the subsidized and universal rates, ensuring they are not adversely affected by the new policy.
Reza Navaz, the spokesperson for the national fuel station owners’ union, confirmed that the necessary infrastructure is fully prepared at stations to implement the new system seamlessly. He explained that previous measures to limit universal card usage had not achieved the desired shift to personal cards, necessitating the current price differential strategy to effectively encourage the change.
This comprehensive policy recalibration represents a strategic effort to streamline Iran’s fuel distribution, promote responsible consumption, and leverage technology for greater systemic efficiency.