Iran Crude Production Not Decreased: Govt. Spokesperson

The government spokesperson stated that oil production has not been declined and emphasized that currency price management is underway, noting that the drop in oil prices and the rise in exchange rates is unrelated to oil production.

Fatemeh Mohajerani, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, highlighted that joining the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) could facilitate investment in the country. She stressed the need to pursue a path with professionalism and a focus on national interests to achieve the best outcomes for the people.

She explained that "imbalance" is a term resulting from reduced production on one hand and increased consumption on the other. The government’s energy policies aim to diversify the energy portfolio on the supply side and promote a culture of reduced consumption, though not by pressuring the public to cut back.

The spokesperson clarified that if heating systems have low efficiency, it is not the public’s fault. Part of the issue stems from historically low energy prices in the country, which have been accepted as standard practice. However, another factor is the lack of standards or the high energy consumption of purchased appliances.

Mohajerani noted that diversifying the energy portfolio includes increasing production and expanding solar energy initiatives. A special task force, established by the president’s order, is reviewing necessary infrastructure, such as order registrations, to create an ecosystem that meets all needs, including equipment and required permits.

In response to a question about declining foreign currency revenues and their connection to rising exchange rates, she stated that oil production has not decreased.

Currency price management is ongoing, and the exchange rate is unrelated to oil production. Decisions regarding the preferential currency market, the New Year holiday, increased demand for foreign currency, induced expectations, and external factors have contributed to the rise in exchange rates. - Shana