Growing Concerns Over Severe Economic Consequences Following the Launch of 80,000 Toman Super Gasoline

Some domestic media in Iran have reported that imported super gasoline was sold at 80,000 tomans per liter on its first day of availability at mobile fuel stations. According to a statement from the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company, this imported super gasoline is distributed by the private sector and is offered without government subsidies. Previously, the base price of imported super gasoline was set at 65,800 tomans per liter in the Iran Energy Exchange, but the final price at mobile stations has not been officially announced. The rate of 80,000 tomans has been reported based on field reports from domestic media in Iran. Last month, the Iranian government set the price of the third type of gasoline at 5,000 tomans while implementing changes to the fuel rationing system. Fuel pricing began on December 13, 2025. This decision was made as part of policies to reform fuel prices and manage consumption. The head of the Planning and Budget Organization of the Islamic Republic stated that the increase of 2,000 tomans in gasoline prices is not significant and that the government's main goal is to change consumption patterns and consumer behavior. He also mentioned imposed costs, including the annual import of approximately 6 billion dollars worth of gasoline, as limiting factors in the government's decision-making. Given the announced price of imported super gasoline, the cost of refueling for vehicles with a 70-liter tank exceeds 5,200,000 to 5,300,000 tomans; a figure that has seen a significant increase compared to previous gasoline rates and could have considerable economic and social consequences for consumers. The recent increase in gasoline prices recalls the bloody protests of November 2019, which began after a sharp and sudden increase in gasoline prices, leading to the killing of hundreds of protesters by the Islamic Republic's forces under the orders of Ali Khamenei. Since then, other waves of protests have occurred in Iran. Despite having one of the largest oil and gas reserves in the world, Iran faces widespread decay in its energy industry due to years of underinvestment, managerial inefficiency in the Islamic Republic, financial corruption, and resource allocation to proxy groups. The consequence of this situation is that the country not only struggles to ensure sustainable domestic energy supply but is also forced to use fuels that significantly contribute to urban air pollution. Gasoline prices have risen, the dollar has hit a record high; Iranian users say: goodbye to bright days. The increase in gasoline prices in Iran coincides with the dollar at 126,500 tomans; inflationary effects are on the way. The Islamic Republic has raised gasoline prices by up to 5,000 tomans; the role of distributing petrochemical gasoline in air pollution.