Mohammad Meshkinfam explained that at the start of the 14th government, a comprehensive plan titled "Real-Time Monitoring of the Supply and Distribution Chain of Petroleum Products" was defined at the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company.

He noted that the primary goal of this plan is to combat fuel smuggling, but it also includes other objectives such as optimizing co-loading systems, increasing efficiency in monitoring refining, transfer, and distribution operations, developing infrastructure using modern technologies, and improving energy resource management.

Meshkinfam emphasized that optimal energy resource management is critical during crises, making it a key objective of the plan to optimize energy management and distribution across the country.

He added that significant and intensive measures have been taken over the past three months, and a general contractor will soon be selected to begin executive operations.

The CEO stated that the efforts underway are similar to those being implemented in other countries, where all data is sent to a monitoring center and analyzed using artificial intelligence and modern technologies to assess current conditions.

Meshkinfam acknowledged that, unfortunately, such comprehensive activities have not yet been fully implemented in the refining and distribution sector of petroleum products. Due to missing links and incomplete data processing, accurate analysis of fuel smuggling and other targeted issues has not been achieved.

He highlighted three main sectors: refineries that process crude oil into products, transmission pipelines, and storage facilities under the supervision of distribution companies.

Each of these sectors must be equipped with metering systems and necessary equipment to obtain accurate data on production, transfer, storage, and consumption. Without adequate equipment at any point in the chain, the required efficiency cannot be achieved.

Meshkinfam added that, depending on the need, some meters must be upgraded, while new meters need to be installed in certain locations. For example, approximately 4,200 kilometers of new fiber optics must be installed along pipelines to detect leaks promptly and transmit data to the monitoring center and operating companies.

Currently, the system is not functioning properly, and equipment deficiencies are reducing efficiency.

He explained that implementing this plan will involve installing all necessary elements and connecting them to the monitoring system and relevant institutions. This will enable precise and comprehensive oversight of processing, transfer, storage, and consumption.

Additionally, around 4,500 gas stations across the country will be equipped with monitoring systems to ensure full control. This will allow close monitoring of every stage, from crude oil production at the well to delivery to light and heavy vehicle consumers.

Meshkinfam stressed the importance of installing precise meters at company entry points to monitor and measure feedstock delivered to refineries, accurately measure products produced by refineries, and deliver them to distribution company storage facilities.

He also emphasized equipping all product transfer lines connected to the national storage network, outfitting transport vessels with metering systems, installing precise metering systems at export and import docks for petroleum products, completing the fiber optic and pipeline network spanning approximately 4,200 kilometers, implementing perimeter protection systems for pipelines, and developing and modernizing monitoring centers at the refining and distribution headquarters.

The CEO noted that the project is divided into three phases: short-term, medium-term, and long-term. The short-term phase includes activities to be completed within the next nine months to help reduce fuel smuggling.

The medium-term phase is planned for 18 months, with the goal of completing and operationalizing the entire project within three years.

Meshkinfam added that the initial phase focuses on upgrading existing meters. Plans are also underway to install electronic locks and other equipment on distribution and oil tankers, with these measures expected to be completed within nine months.

Regarding published statistics on fuel smuggling, he stated that accurate data on the volume of fuel smuggling cannot be determined until metering systems are installed and smart systems are implemented.

Without monitoring systems, identifying fuel smuggling is challenging, and any data provided is merely an estimate. Implementing this plan will provide a clearer perspective and a more accurate outlook for combating fuel smuggling and fully managing the supply chain.