Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting between Iran's oil minister and Armenia's minister of territorial administration and infrastructure, NIOPDC Managing Director Mohammad-Sadeq Azimifar paid tribute to six oil industry employees martyred in the attacks. He said the strikes targeted key energy facilities in an effort to disrupt the country's electricity, natural gas and fuel supplies, but rapid emergency measures and coordinated action by the Oil Ministry minimized the impact and preserved the fuel supply chain.

Refining, transport infrastructure affected

Azimifar, who also serves as deputy oil minister, said attacks on the South Pars gas field disrupted feedstock supplies to several refineries and production facilities. He added that the Lavan refinery sustained minor damage, temporarily reducing its processing capacity.

He said damage to fuel transfer and storage facilities in the Rey region also imposed operational constraints on Tehran Refinery, while transit disruptions at southern ports complicated the import of part of the country's fuel requirements.

Despite the combined challenges and reduced access to strategic fuel reserves, Azimifar said continuous efforts by Oil Ministry personnel, particularly those involved in fuel supply and distribution, ensured uninterrupted gasoline deliveries. He added that security considerations prevent officials from disclosing details of the defensive measures taken.

CNG, public participation critical

With fuel demand expected to peak in August and September, Azimifar urged motorists to help manage consumption, citing temporary constraints on domestic production and fuel imports.

"Our goal is not to restrict essential public needs, but to encourage temporary changes in consumption behavior," he said.

He highlighted the country's underused CNG infrastructure, noting that Iran has about 4 million dual-fuel vehicles and 2,500 active CNG stations. Some stations have voluntarily begun offering free CNG to encourage greater use of the cleaner alternative fuel, a move he said could significantly reduce pressure on gasoline distribution.

Azimifar also encouraged greater use of public transportation, reduced unnecessary travel, proper vehicle maintenance and adherence to speed limits as additional fuel-saving measures.

Gov’t rules out surprise gasoline price hikes

Comparing Iran's situation with international markets, Azimifar said many countries have responded to fuel supply pressures by introducing strict rationing or sharply increasing fuel prices, even without facing wartime conditions.

He said the government's priority remains protecting household livelihoods and avoiding additional economic pressure on citizens.

"The government's focus is on non-price measures and better consumption management," he said. However, he added that if excessive fuel consumption continues and production constraints caused by infrastructure damage persist, authorities may consider management measures aimed solely at balancing fuel distribution and safeguarding the country's energy security.

Azimifar dismissed speculation about imminent gasoline price increases, stressing that the government has no intention of surprising the public with abrupt policy changes.

"If any future adjustment to gasoline pricing becomes necessary, it will be announced transparently in advance, with public consultation and the required preparations completed before implementation," he said.