The National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company will identify transactions of free cards at gas stations to reduce fuel smuggling and enhance transparency in the refueling process. This plan is designed to identify consumer identities and enable more precise tracking of refueling.
The Necessity of Identifying Consumer Identities
In recent years, the widespread use of free cards at gas stations and the lack of transparency regarding the identities of individuals refueling with these cards have raised concerns about potential misuse and fuel smuggling. By identifying transactions, it will be possible to monitor consumption more accurately and identify individuals using free cards.
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Difference Between Allocating Quotas and Smartening Cards
In this context, proposals have been made to transfer fuel quotas to bank cards, but this solution alone cannot prevent smuggling. Bank cards can also be transferred to border areas, and this change could create new issues and concerns regarding data security and user data protection. Therefore, a distinction must be made between transferring fuel quotas to bank cards and smartening free gas station cards.
The National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company has taken a positive and defensible step by identifying transactions of free cards. This action allows officials to monitor refueling more accurately, identify irregularities, and have a path for follow-up in case of violations.
According to past statistics, about 50 to 55 percent of the country's refueling is done with free gas station cards. The failure of some people to use their personal fuel cards and their reliance on free gas station cards makes the need for transparency in this sector even more critical. In this situation, identifying transactions can help reduce potential misuse.
The effectiveness of this plan depends on the continuity of its implementation, the quality of oversight, and the proper use of the information obtained from transactions. Identification alone does not mean the elimination of smuggling, but it can address one of the regulatory gaps and minimize the potential for misuse of free gas station cards.
Read more: 169,000 liters of smuggled fuel discovered in Sistan and Baluchestan
