Iran's Govt. Spox. Says No Change to Subsidized Gasoline Quota

Iran's government will notify the public before implementing any change to gasoline prices, according to government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani.

Speaking about the latest status of the fuel price reform program, Mohajerani said the monthly quota of 60 liters of gasoline at IRR 15,000 (0.78 cent) per liter will remain unchanged, with no adjustment to its rate or volume, according to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA).

She noted that the allotment of gasoline priced at IRR 30,000 (1.57 cent) per liter has been reduced over time. It started at 100 liters per month, dropped to 70 liters during the recent war, and now stands at 50 liters.

Mohajerani said any decision to raise gas station prices — currently set at IRR 50,000 (2.61 cents) per liter — would also be announced publicly before taking effect. She added that any plan for tiered or seasonal pricing would likewise be disclosed once finalized, but that no final decision has been made.

According to Mohajerani, the government's actual cost of producing and delivering gasoline is far higher than what consumers pay, with distribution costs alone running about IRR 40,000 (2.09 cents) per liter. She said covering that gap forces budget shortfalls in other areas, and that stabilizing fuel prices would help the government manage its broader finances.

The spokesperson called on media outlets to support efforts to rationalize gasoline pricing, describing the government's fuel subsidy bill as substantial. She said domestic production capacity is about 100 million liters per day at current prices, but that covering the cost gap would become more difficult if consumption rises.

On a separate initiative to link fuel cards with bank cards, Mohajerani said the necessary infrastructure is largely in place but requires additional cybersecurity safeguards before rollout. She said merging the two cards — currently issued separately — would be a convenient step for citizens, provided security can be fully guaranteed.

The linked-card system is currently being tested on a trial basis, she said, adding that a nationwide rollout will require further review. - Shana