Rewritten Title:
Iran’s Oil Minister Announces Premium Gasoline Pricing, Reaffirms Subsidy Stability
New Premium Fuel Option Introduced Without Affecting Existing Subsidies
Iran’s Oil Minister, Mohsen Paknezad, has confirmed the introduction of a new premium gasoline service while assuring citizens that existing fuel quotas and subsidized prices will remain unchanged. The announcement comes amid public speculation about potential price hikes, which the minister firmly dismissed as baseless.
No Changes to Current Fuel Quotas or Prices
Minister Paknezad emphasized that the standard gasoline quotas—60 liters at 1,500 tomans and 100 liters at 3,000 tomans—will stay intact. Emergency fuel cards and existing pricing structures for regular gasoline will also remain unaffected.
“Our people will continue to benefit from their current fuel quotas without any alterations,” Paknezad stated. “This new premium service is an additional option, not a replacement.”
Premium Gasoline: A Voluntary Choice for Specific Needs
The premium gasoline, available at select stations, will be priced based on production, transportation, and operational costs—potentially exceeding 50,000 tomans per liter. This imported fuel is primarily intended for luxury vehicles or specialized demand, with distribution tightly controlled outside the standard quota system.
“This is a supplementary service for those who voluntarily opt for it,” the minister clarified. “Private distributors will determine the final price based on logistics, including transport to cities like Tehran.”
Government Focus: Combating Smuggling and Managing Consumption
The government reaffirmed its commitment to curbing fuel smuggling and optimizing domestic consumption. Stricter monitoring of distribution channels and fake shipping documents has been implemented to ensure transparency.
Despite the significant price gap between subsidized domestic fuel (3,000 tomans) and imported premium gasoline (55,000 tomans), officials stress that the disparity underscores Iran’s substantial energy subsidies rather than an immediate burden on consumers.
Long-Term Implications: Subsidy Reform Looms
While the new premium fuel policy avoids short-term disruptions, the stark contrast between local and global fuel prices highlights ongoing debates about sustainable subsidy structures. Analysts suggest that broader energy pricing reforms may eventually resurface as a key economic challenge.
For now, the Oil Ministry’s priority remains stabilizing supply, preventing illegal trade, and maintaining affordability for the public.
