Pezeshkian, speaking at a meeting of the Headquarters to Combat the Smuggling of Goods and Currency on Tuesday, described the current state of fuel smuggling — tens of millions of liters per day — as both a catastrophe and evidence of inefficiency.

He remarked: “As an Iranian citizen, not just as president, I find it completely unacceptable that, within a production and distribution system controlled by us, 20 to 30 million liters of fuel are smuggled daily.” 

Pezeshkian dismissed long-term plans as inadequate, stressing the need for immediate, practical solutions to this crisis.

“When such a massive amount of fuel is being smuggled and we cannot stop it, can we reasonably expect the public to accept measures like cutting energy, gas, or electricity supplies to industries to manage consumption?” he asked. 

The president stressed that effective solutions should address the root causes rather than targeting those at the lower end of the smuggling chain.

“We must avoid creating new problems by threatening the livelihoods of those involved at the final stages of this cycle. Instead, we need to reform the underlying sources of the issue,” he said. 

The president tasked the Anti-Smuggling Headquarters with holding regular, intensive meetings over the next month to divide the issue into sector-specific components, conduct expert analysis, identify the root causes in each area, and design practical solutions.

 He urged the use of academic and student expertise, noting that their independence from vested interests allows for clearer problem analysis and solution development. 

“Instead of repeating this issue from the podium, we must work toward eradicating its root causes,” Pezeshkian added.

He called on every agency to take decisive steps within their jurisdiction to prevent the waste of the nation’s resources. For example, he urged the identification of inactive entities, vehicles, equipment, or units that consume subsidized fuel inefficiently or fail to meet activity benchmarks. 

“I am confident we will stop this waste and the smuggling of the country’s wealth,” Pezeshkian affirmed.

“We must adopt proven scientific methods for optimal fuel management. My aim is to reform and improve the country’s administration. Whether or not I win in the next election is irrelevant to me. With God’s help and public support, we will amend ineffective laws and resolve these issues.” 

During the meeting, a detailed report was presented on the methods, routes, scale, and origins of the daily smuggling of 20 to 30 million liters of fuel. Relevant bodies also shared their views and proposed strategies to combat the problem.