Saeid Rahmansalari said the call for converting high-mileage vehicles operated by online transportation platforms has begun in six provinces, including West Azerbaijan, Kurdistan and South Khorasan. The program had previously been launched in Tehran, Kerman and Sistan-Baluchestan provinces and will gradually expand to other provinces by the end of the week.

Owners of eligible vehicles will receive text messages directing them to the gcr.niopdc.ir registration system, where they can complete the application process and select an authorized conversion workshop.

Rahmansalari said the pace of vehicle conversions has accelerated since 2025, with 70,000 vehicles converted at factories and workshops last year, more than double the previous figure.

He attributed delays in the program to late funding, saying the issue was resolved last week following government efforts. The government is expected to settle contractors’ outstanding payments by Oct. 7, he said.

A previous call covering private vehicles and taxis has left 27,000 vehicles awaiting conversion, including some pickup trucks, Rahmansalari said.

Following a recent meeting, freight and passenger transportation platforms were given priority. Authorities obtained a list of 100,000 vehicles operated through online platforms and began implementing the program last week, initially prioritizing high-mileage vehicles.

The current capacity allows for the conversion of 200 to 300 vehicles a day, Rahmansalari said, adding that capacity could rise to 1,000 vehicles a day once sufficient funding is secured.

The average cost of converting a vehicle is about $500, depending on the type of conversion kit and tank, he said. The government covers the cost, allowing eligible vehicles to be converted free of charge using fourth-generation CNG kits.

Rahmansalari said text messages are expected to be sent nationwide by the end of the month, enabling the conversion of high-mileage vehicles across the country.

Despite a period of funding constraints, vehicle conversions at factories and workshops increased 23% in the first five months of this year compared with the same period last year, he said.

How High-Mileage Vehicles Are Selected

The list of eligible vehicles is provided by the online transportation platforms, which gradually send text messages to selected drivers, Rahmansalari said.

Selection criteria vary by city based on geographic size and vehicle mileage. In some cases, vehicles traveling more than 100 kilometers a day are selected, while in others the criterion is at least 48 trips per week.

The transportation platforms are responsible for identifying eligible applicants and sending them notifications, he said. After receiving a text message, drivers can visit the designated website to complete the process.

The conversion is free for eligible vehicles, with the government covering the cost. The entire application and conversion process is conducted remotely, Rahmansalari said.