Speaking Thursday at a meeting with investors and economic activists in South Khorasan province, Pezeshkian said the monthly gasoline quota for each vehicle—between 60 and 100 liters—carries an estimated hidden subsidy of 8 million to 9 million tomans. Higher consumption can raise that subsidy to between 10 million and 20 million tomans, he said.

“Saving energy is in our hands as much as it is in the people’s,” Pezeshkian said. “We have decided to begin this path with our own management.”

According to the presidential website, the remarks came during the first stop of the National Consensus Government’s provincial tour. Pezeshkian said the administration assumed office amid mounting challenges and pressures.

He said the government has begun reforms by delegating greater authority to managers and, where necessary, will transfer more powers to provincial administrations.

Energy Strategy and Oil Savings

Pezeshkian said the government’s first step in the energy sector is reducing consumption. A 10 percent cut in energy use—including oil, gas, electricity and water—would save about 900,000 barrels of oil per day, he said. Increasing production by 250,000 barrels per day would require investments of $5 billion to $6 billion, he added.

He reiterated that fuel savings must begin within government institutions, repeating the decision to end the use of subsidized gasoline by state vehicles.

Pezeshkian questioned the allocation of fuel subsidies, asking whether limited resources should support fuel tanks or be directed toward people’s livelihoods, health and household needs. “The judgment is yours, but the decision is ours—meaning we must decide together where to spend our limited resources,” he said.

Solar Expansion and Winter Preparedness

The president said Iran has accelerated the development of solar power plants alongside consumption management. More than 3,000 megawatts of solar panels have been installed so far, with an additional 200 to 300 megawatts expected to come online each week through the end of the year.

Solar energy is clean, affordable and environmentally friendly, he said, adding that every 1,000 megawatts of solar capacity prevents about 1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Pezeshkian said temporary restrictions were unavoidable at times, but the goal is to quickly reach a point where factories do not face power or gas outages. As winter approaches, he said, efficient management and prioritizing energy, transportation and infrastructure are essential.

Regional Policy and Legal Reforms

Pezeshkian said the government is committed to expanding relations with neighboring countries and strengthening cooperation across all fields. He pledged to remove legal and regulatory barriers in customs, trade, politics and cultural exchanges.

Addressing what he described as a “cognitive war” by adversaries, Pezeshkian said Iran can place itself in a position of strength through unity and cooperation. He said the government is prepared to reform regulations and laws with the help of experts, academics, investors and innovators to overcome challenges and move forward.