Seyed Ismail Hosseini stated about the status of gasoline quotas in the country: the 1500 and 3000 Toman gasoline quotas have not changed and remain in effect. He noted that the current conditions of the country require decisions that are in line with existing realities, adding that the news published about the removal of quotas for certain vehicles needs clarification.
The Government's Authority in Organizing Energy Subsidies
Hosseini referred to the legal basis for government decisions in the area of energy subsidies and stated: years ago, the authority to organize energy subsidies was granted to the government. This authority includes electricity, water, gas, gasoline, and other energy carriers. He emphasized that the use of this authority should be carried out with economic considerations and the capacity of the people in mind.
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The Necessity of Managing Energy Imbalance
The representative of Shiraz and Zarqan pointed to the imbalance between gasoline production and consumption, stating: daily gasoline consumption in the country is between 20 to 30 million liters more than the production level. Continuing this situation without a plan cannot be sustainable. Hosseini emphasized that reforms should be carried out in a way that imposes the least pressure on the people.
He further explained that the government's new policy is to increase the price of gasoline supplied through the free card at gas stations, and this change does not mean the elimination of subsidized quotas. Additionally, Hosseini stressed the need to reconsider the criteria for vehicle pricing and stated: the criteria set for receiving fuel subsidies should align with today's economic realities.
Support for Low-Income Households
Hosseini pointed to the necessity of supporting middle and low-income households, stating: households that have worked hard to acquire a vehicle should not be deprived of fuel subsidies solely due to rising vehicle prices. Policy-making should be such that fuel subsidies are directed to those who truly need them.
He concluded by emphasizing: decisions in the energy sector must be made carefully and with consideration of economic conditions to manage consumption while maintaining public trust. The goal of reforming energy policies should be to solve the issue of imbalance, not to place the burden of these reforms on the weaker segments of society.
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