Mohammad Sadegh Azimi Far, CEO of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company, announced on November 12, 2026, during a visit by Hamid Bourd, the caretaker of the Ministry of Oil, to the Rey oil depot, that the growth of gasoline consumption in the country has decreased to negative 2 percent. This is the first time that gasoline consumption growth has dropped to this level since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Details of Gasoline Consumption Decrease
Azimi Far explained that gasoline consumption in recent years had grown by 6 percent annually due to factors such as the entry of new vehicles, the lack of scrapping old vehicles, changes in the fuel mix, and reduced CNG consumption. However, following the implementation of a series of consumption management strategies, the average growth of gasoline consumption in 2026 compared to the previous year reached zero.
The negative growth of 2 percent in gasoline consumption in November 2026 was recorded while the average daily gasoline consumption in this month was less than 131 million liters. The CEO of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company emphasized that this decrease in consumption is the result of cooperation among agencies and public participation.
Increase in CNG Consumption and Power Plant Fuel Reserves
Simultaneously with the 2 percent decrease in gasoline consumption, the consumption of clean fuel CNG in the country has increased by 15 percent, indicating a proper shift in the fuel mix by citizens. Additionally, Azimi Far announced that power plant fuel reserves (gas oil) have reached over 3 billion and 300 million liters, which is considered a historical record.
Azimi Far further pointed out that the potential for savings in the oil products sector is significant, clarifying that savings do not mean imposing restrictions but rather means optimal consumption. He also reported on efforts made to achieve self-sufficiency in domestic gasoline supply and to reduce diesel imports to zero.
These developments occur while, according to Azimi Far, current challenges require an approach different from conventional past practices, and to successfully navigate the upcoming winter, solidarity and synergy among all agencies and public participation are essential.
Read more: Increase of 2 Million Cubic Meters in Daily CNG Consumption in the Country
