Speaking on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting Wednesday, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said preliminary data show notable changes in fuel use patterns since the new regulation took effect.

According to comparisons by the Oil Ministry, from Nov. 22 to Dec. 12 — before the regulation was enforced — the use of personal fuel cards was about 17% lower than the use of station cards, a significant margin, he said.

Paknejad said that from the start of implementation through the week ending Dec. 21, daily use of station fuel cards declined by a total of 24 million liters. Of that amount, about 15 million liters shifted to personal fuel cards, while roughly 9 million liters reflected an actual reduction in gasoline consumption.

“Although this regulation has produced these effects in a short period, short-term comparisons are not a sufficient statistical basis for firm conclusions,” Paknejad said. “We need to consider its long-term effects.”

Pension Fund Building Case Reopened

Paknejad also addressed the legal case involving the seizure of a pension fund building in London, saying Iran has succeeded in having its appeal accepted by British courts.

“With legal follow-up by various bodies, including the vice presidency’s legal department and the Oil Ministry’s legal teams, the appeal was upheld,” he said. “The initial ruling will be reviewed and the case reexamined.”

Gas Production, Power Plant Supply

On natural gas production, Paknejad said output at South Pars is in strong condition, with gas injections into the national grid reaching record levels in recent years.

Regarding gas deliveries to power plants, he said supplies continue but are subject to prioritization due to colder weather and increased demand in residential, commercial and small industrial sectors. These conditions have led to temporary limits for other consumers, including power plants and some industries.

Part of the shortfall for power plants is being offset with liquid fuel, he said, adding that fuel availability is better this year.

Fuel Quotas and Pricing

Paknejad said regulations allowing the transfer of gasoline quotas from fuel cards to bank cards have been approved by the Cabinet. The system, based on a switching mechanism, is being developed by the Economy Ministry and the Central Bank in cooperation with the Oil Ministry and will be implemented in coming months.

On the possibility of gasoline price increases, Paknejad said a government-approved working group is tasked with reviewing conditions and making recommendations.

“If the working group reaches a conclusion, a price increase may be implemented; if not, it will not,” he said, adding that no immediate gasoline price hike is expected and that any decision will be announced after the review.

Oil Sales, Discounts and Budget Assumptions

Paknejad declined to comment on oil sales mechanisms or pricing but rejected speculation that Russia could displace Iran in Asian markets. He said oil price assumptions in next year’s budget are based on market trends and expert analysis and are expected to be close to reality. Final figures will be announced after completion.

He said the oil pricing formula in the annual budget has two components: international benchmarks, which fluctuate with global market conditions, and premium differentials adjusted to market circumstances.

According to sales data, oil discounts applied from September last year through October this year have followed a clear downward trend, with discounts decreasing, he said.

Azadegan Oil Field Development

Responding to questions about a report by the Supreme Audit Court regarding incomplete transfers of price differentials to the treasury, Paknejad said the court has the legal authority to review such matters. Oil Ministry officials are examining the issue and will clarify any ambiguities.

On delays in development of the Azadegan oil field, Paknejad said the issue dates back several years. He said authorities have moved to treat North and South Azadegan as a single integrated field to accelerate development.

A defined framework and contract are in place and under review by shareholders, the National Development Fund and the Plan and Budget Organization, he said, adding that the process is expected to be finalized soon.

Paknejad said there has been no negligence in Azadegan’s development. Despite pending contracts, drilling and surface facility expansion have continued under existing legal provisions. Current production stands at about 230,000 to 240,000 barrels per day, he said, with higher output expected once contracts are finalized.

Oil Cargoes at Sea

Paknejad dismissed claims by Western media, including Bloomberg, that about 50 million barrels of Iranian oil are stranded at sea, saying oil being transported by tanker does not indicate sales problems.

“Oil is loaded in the Persian Gulf and shipped to destinations, sometimes via intermediate ports,” he said. “During all stages of transport and sales operations, the oil is naturally at sea.”

He said there are no issues in this regard.

China Sales and Domestic Fuel System

Paknejad said Iran has not yet faced problems selling oil to small and medium-sized Chinese buyers due to upcoming holidays, noting that Chinese refineries, particularly private ones, continue operating and that sales mechanisms remain in place during holidays.

On motorists who own multiple vehicles, he said a self-declaration system has attracted about 450,000 participants who have voluntarily selected one vehicle to receive fuel quotas. The process is ongoing, and he said he was unaware of any restrictions on registering vehicles under family members’ names.

Motorcycles are not subject to these limitations, he said.