Mohammad-Sadeq Azimifar stated that combating fuel smuggling, reforming governance, diversifying the fuel portfolio, and smartening the production-to-distribution chain are strategic priorities for the refining industry under the 14th administration. 

Azimifar noted that the company has outlined key priorities in line with the 14th administration’s strategic document. "The top priority is expanding the refining industry and improving production quality, which can only be achieved by operationalizing unfinished and high-priority projects," he said. 

Emphasizing the company’s focus on completing unfinished projects, Azimifar added, "Aligned with this goal, two new refineries will join the country’s existing 10 refineries this year, and three quality improvement projects will go live. However, increasing production alone won’t solve Iran’s refining and distribution challenges." 

 Diversifying the fuel portfolio 

Addressing fuel consumption issues, Azimifar said, "We have key plans for consumption, including diversifying the fuel portfolio, expanding compressed natural gas (CNG) use, electrifying aging fleets, and fighting fuel smuggling." 

He added that governance reforms aim to foster refining industry growth and boost private sector involvement. "Enhancing workforce motivation—our greatest asset—and adopting smart tools in production, transfer, and distribution are also top priorities." 

 Smart systems key to fighting smuggling 

On tackling fuel smuggling, Azimifar said, "To effectively combat smuggling, we must first identify its sources. Otherwise, efforts will be misdirected. Our analysis shows smuggling mainly occurs in transport, often due to fake shipping documents." 

The company has taken steps to prevent smuggling, including signing a real-time fuel monitoring contract in 1403. "This system lets us track every drop of fuel from production to delivery using smart tools," he said. 

Azimifar stressed smart systems’ role in curbing smuggling: "Our main strategy relies on smart monitoring to track production, transfer, and distribution in real time." 

He concluded, "These measures will only succeed if consumption-sector authorities fulfill their legal duties. We hope active collaboration will help reduce smuggling and boost efficiency."