Title: Fueling Livelihoods: Government Outlines Targeted Subsidy Plan for Ride-Hailing Drivers
In a move to streamline fuel consumption and ensure continued support for essential services, the Iranian government has detailed its new three-tiered fuel pricing plan, with a specific focus on safeguarding the livelihoods of ride-hailing drivers.
A Framework for Fairness
Following the approval of the new fuel subsidy framework, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mahagerani provided clarifications in a televised address. She emphasized that the primary goal of the policy is to bring order and efficiency to national fuel consumption patterns.
“All proceeds from the increased price in the third fuel tier will be allocated directly to people’s livelihoods and for programs akin to a commodity voucher,” Mahagerani stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to justice and public welfare.
Addressing the Ride-Hailing Sector
A key point of public discussion has been the status of fuel quotas for internet taxi (ride-hailing) drivers. The spokesperson confirmed that this vital sector has been explicitly considered within the new plan.
“A working group has been established as part of this resolution to make decisions on all such matters,” Mahagerani explained. “The subject of internet taxis has been anticipated, and essentially, all issues pertaining to people’s professions have been accounted for in this resolution. The method of implementation will be determined by this working group, and the public will be informed.”
Rationale Behind the Policy
The government’s decision is rooted in addressing the gap between domestic fuel production and consumption. Mahagerani noted that Iran’s daily gasoline production capacity stands at 110 million liters, while average daily consumption is 133 million liters. This gap necessitates the allocation of foreign currency for imports.
Furthermore, the spokesperson highlighted that a significant 43% of recent fuel purchases were made with station cards, a volume suspected to be heavily linked to smuggling. “To improve the people’s livelihood, medicine, and healthcare, the government must manage this issue, which led to the recent resolution,” she said.
The new policy is presented as a targeted measure to ensure fuel subsidies effectively reach their intended beneficiaries, particularly those whose professions, like ride-hailing, depend on affordable fuel, while also curbing misuse and securing national resources.