Average Daily Gasoline Consumption Reaches 120 Million Liters

The Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development announced during the Nowruz statistics that there were 530 million trips in the country, stating that the average daily gasoline consumption has reached 120 million liters. Kamal Hadianfar emphasized that gasoline consumption has increased by 1.6% compared to last year. This increase in gasoline consumption occurs while the Islamic Republic government intends to address the imbalance between gasoline production and consumption by implementing new restrictions. In this context, Javad Owji, the Minister of Oil, announced on Wednesday, April 15, that within 10 days, refueling will only be possible through personal fuel cards; a statement that implies the elimination of station owners' fuel cards and restrictions on fuel supply. Additionally, Mostafa Nakhai, a member of the Energy Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, told the 'Khabar Online' website that the government wants to erase the issue by eliminating station cards to manage fuel consumption. This parliament member stated that the government quota for gasoline is 60 liters at 1500 tomans and 100 liters at 3000 tomans, asking, 'What should someone do if they need more? This card was put in place to meet that need. Eliminating this card is not in the country's best interest.' This government behavior has fueled rumors about a three-tiered gasoline pricing system, and many experts believe that the government is seeking to create restrictions on fuel supply and subsequently unveil a third gasoline price. Voice of America has reported several times over the past year, citing statements from Islamic Republic officials and media emphasis in Iran on the necessity of managing consumption and comparing consumption in Iran with other countries, indicating fundamental changes in the gasoline sector. Ahmad Vahidi, the Minister of Interior, stated on December 15, 1402, 'One liter of our gasoline is cheaper than one liter of water.' He emphasized that 'the cheap price of gasoline inherently increases gasoline consumption.' Voice of America also reported that the legal requirement and authorization in the 'Seventh Development Plan' and the budget for the year 1403, alongside officials' statements, indicate a 'significant event' in the gasoline sector. Regarding officials' and some parliament members' references to the necessity of economic surgery, several experts have stated that any manipulation of gasoline prices will lead to increased economic pressures and disrupt political and social relations in Iran. The increase in gasoline prices during Hassan Rouhani's presidency in November 98 led to widespread protests in Iran. In response to these widespread protests, the Islamic Republic suppressed the demonstrators. In this context, Reuters reported on December 23, 98, that about 1500 people were killed in the protests and quoted three sources close to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic stating that Khamenei had instructed government and security officials to do 'whatever it takes' to stop the protests. The Minister of Oil announced the elimination of station owners' fuel cards; new gasoline restrictions will be implemented within 10 days. With an 18% increase, Nowruz daily gasoline consumption reached 130 million liters. The average daily gasoline consumption exceeded 121 million liters; the peak of imbalance and the possibility of fuel supply challenges. Intensification of gasoline imbalance in Iran; a record consumption of 152 million liters per day was registered. The government's move to increase gasoline prices; the Minister of Economy's advisor: 'Let's talk to the people, then raise the prices.'