Speaking on the sidelines of his inauguration ceremony as caretaker of the Oil Ministry, Bovard said ongoing oil industry programs, including production and development projects, would continue and be pursued with greater speed and precision.

“We will seek to pursue stronger policies in the trade and sales sectors so the oil industry can continue to shine with the support of all my colleagues,” he said.

 Oil sales remain ministry’s responsibility

Bovard said efforts to sell Iranian crude were continuing as usual but declined to disclose details.

“Oil sales affairs are being pursued as always, but I cannot disclose information in this area,” he said. “We will continue to pursue our work in this field with determination.”

On trustees handling oil revenues and the repatriation of export proceeds, Bovard said a distinction should be made between a “trustee” and a “trader.”

“A trustee’s role is related to banking operations and is not the main responsibility of the Oil Ministry,” he said, adding that the ministry had largely separated itself from that responsibility.

“Our responsibility is to sell oil. The trustee’s job concerns the transfer of funds through the banking system, which falls under the responsibility of the Central Bank and the country’s banking system,” Bovard said.

He added that any foreign currency allocated under relevant regulations or requested by the Central Bank would be handled in accordance with budget laws and regulations.

 Bovard urges energy conservation

Bovard also urged the public to avoid excessive energy consumption and help reduce consumption across all forms of energy.

“I ask all our dear people not to consume energy wastefully and to help us across all energy carriers so that we can achieve greater savings this year compared with previous years,” he said.

Regarding fuel supplies for industries during the winter, Bovard said comprehensive decisions would be made by the government’s fuel committee.

“Once decisions are made by the government, they will be communicated to all relevant bodies,” he said.

President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday accepted Mohsen Paknejad’s resignation as oil minister and appointed Bovard as caretaker of the Oil Ministry.