Javad Noferesti, an energy researcher and expert, discussed various aspects of the fuel smuggling issue in a program focused on this topic. He pointed out that smuggling fuel with passenger cars is only a small part of the problem and emphasized the need to reform the fuel distribution system and monitor its transfer routes.
Removal of Fuel Card and Increased Smuggling
Noferesti identified the removal of the personal fuel card in 2015 as one of the reasons for the increase in gasoline sales and the expansion of smuggling, stating: "With the return of effective oversight over the fuel distribution chain, daily gasoline sales can be reduced to about 100 million liters." He clarified that even if someone purchases gasoline at a free price in central Iran and transports it to the border, they still profit from selling it despite transportation costs. Therefore, combating smuggling is not solely possible through price adjustments, and the fuel distribution mechanism must also be reformed.
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Difference Between Small and Organized Smuggling
This energy expert criticized the removal of the fuel card in spring 2015, referring to the limited growth in gasoline demand in 2014 and 2015, which was approximately 1.6% and 1.9%, respectively. He emphasized that discarding the fuel card system has weakened one of the important tools for managing consumption and monitoring gasoline distribution. Noferesti added: "Between 2007 and 2015, the annual growth of gasoline sales was about 1.5% to 2%, but after the removal of the fuel card, this rate reached about 8.5% and 11% in subsequent years."
He also noted the increase in gasoline sales from about 72 million liters per day in 2015 to over 130 million liters in recent years and called for a thorough examination of the actual consumption and smuggling shares. According to Noferesti, the decrease in daily CNG consumption from about 22 to 14 million cubic meters has contributed to the increased demand for gasoline. He stated: "Recent statements about the daily disappearance of 20 million liters of gasoline must be seriously investigated."
Solutions for Controlling Smuggling
Noferesti emphasized that accurately monitoring the fuel transfer route from the refinery to the station and effectively using the personal fuel card could help control smuggling and reduce daily gasoline sales to about 100 million liters. This expert suggested that to combat fuel smuggling, special attention should be paid to reforming distribution and pricing policies to help improve the current situation.
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