Reports indicate that gasoline consumption in Iran has seen a significant rise this solar year, unprecedented in the last decade. On Tuesday, March 13, the Tasnim news agency reported that the average daily gasoline consumption from the beginning of the year 1396 until the end of the 19th of Esfand has reached 80 million and 200 thousand liters, which represents an 8% increase compared to the same period last year (74 million and 300 thousand liters). Details from the annual statistics of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company, published on its official website, show that since 1368 (1989), with the exception of the years 1384 and 1385, Iran has never witnessed such an increase in gasoline consumption. In the mid-2010s, Iran significantly increased the production of compressed natural gas (CNG) for transportation purposes to curb gasoline consumption growth. Even in the first few years, the amount of gasoline consumed in the country decreased, but again, in the absence of growth in CNG production, gasoline consumption increased year by year, ultimately witnessing an 8% increase this year. The report adds that the consumption of this strategic oil product has increased with unprecedented intensity in the history of the country, leading to increased gasoline imports and heightened traffic and air pollution in major cities. According to the Ministry of Oil, the nine-month gasoline consumption in the current year has been nearly 81 million liters per day. The monthly report from the Ministry of Oil for Azar month indicated that such a level of consumption growth was expected. Over the past two years, car production in Iran has significantly increased. According to statistics from the Iranian Automobile Manufacturers Association published on its official website, approximately 1.1 million units of various passenger cars, pickups, and commercial vehicles were produced in the country during the 11 months of the current year, showing a growth of about 5.6% compared to the same period last year. Last year, the production of cars also surpassed 1 million and 350 thousand units with a jump of 37% compared to the previous year. Statistics from the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company indicate that during the nine months of the current solar year, more than 15 million liters of gasoline were imported daily, representing a 44% increase compared to the same period last year. The production of base gasoline in the country also increased by 11.5% during this period, reaching 62 million and 650 thousand liters per day.
Surge in Gasoline Consumption in Iran
Iran's gasoline consumption has surged by 8% this year, reaching an average of 80.2 million liters per day, marking the highest increase in over a decade. This rise is attributed to increased vehicle production and a lack of growth in CNG production, leading to higher imports and worsening air pollution. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in managing energy resources and environmental impacts in Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Iran has experienced an 8% rise in gasoline consumption this solar year, reaching an average of 80.2 million liters per day. This increase is attributed to higher vehicle production and stagnant growth in compressed natural gas (CNG) production.
- Gasoline consumption has not seen such a significant increase in over a decade.
- Daily gasoline imports have risen by 44% compared to the previous year.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has historically relied on gasoline for transportation, but efforts to promote CNG have not kept pace with rising vehicle production. This has led to increased gasoline imports and pollution.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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