Rahim Zare said expanding CNG infrastructure and converting vehicles to dual-fuel systems could ease pressure on the gasoline network in the short term while reducing the country’s need to spend foreign currency on gasoline imports.

Zare was referring to a government program offering free conversion of vehicles to dual-fuel systems, saying the initiative could have a significant impact if properly implemented.

However, he said the program should go beyond vehicle conversions.

“Once a vehicle is converted to dual-fuel, the necessary infrastructure must also be provided to ensure continued CNG use,” Zare said, stressing the need to expand CNG stations, improve service quality, provide standard equipment, strengthen safety inspections of CNG tanks and introduce economic incentives for CNG consumption.

Zare also described the halt in diesel imports as a major achievement in the country’s energy security.

Reaching zero diesel imports should be considered an important accomplishment, he said, particularly as Iran faces economic restrictions and sanctions. Reducing dependence on imported petroleum products is crucial, but it should not come at the expense of consumption management, he added.

“If diesel imports have reached zero today, we must ensure that this situation is sustainable so the country does not face shortages and renewed import needs in the coming years,” Zare said.

He said investment in refining, CNG development, vehicle conversions, fleet modernization and consumption-pattern reforms should be pursued simultaneously.

“The way out of the imbalance is to combine production with rational consumption,” Zare said. “If these efforts are accompanied by the development of alternative fuels, we can reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and preserve the country’s foreign currency resources for productive sectors of the economy.”