Abbas Yalan, the company’s director of commerce, said five licenses have already been issued to qualified private firms, allowing them to begin importing high-octane gasoline into the country.

He explained that the imports are in line with a Cabinet resolution dated Nov. 10, 2024, as well as provisions in the current year budget law, which authorize the Oil Ministry to issue import and distribution permits for premium gasoline to private entities across Iran.

“Following the ratification of this decision, the required forms for gasoline import and distribution were developed and finalized last year,” Yalan said. “These forms were uploaded to the National Licensing Portal about a month ago.”

Private firms now eligible for import permits

Yalan said that interested applicants can access the application forms through the National Licensing Portal. Once their submissions are reviewed and the conditions stated in the forms are met, the Oil Ministry will issue the necessary licenses for either the import or distribution of premium gasoline.

He reiterated that five companies have so far met all the criteria and received definitive import licenses, enabling them to start the process.

“All registered companies whose corporate articles of association involve fuel and energy-related activities are eligible to apply,” he added. “Applicants must specify their estimated market demand for premium gasoline, and the import licenses will be issued accordingly.”

Subsidized gasoline prices, quotas unaffected

Yalan emphasized that the decision to allow premium gasoline imports was made in response to rising domestic demand, particularly among owners of high-end vehicles that require higher-octane fuel.

He noted that the price of premium gasoline has not yet been set and will be determined based on competitive market dynamics. Factors affecting the final price will include international fuel purchase rates, transportation and port costs, customs duties, internal distribution expenses, and a fair profit margin for importers.

“There will be no changes to the price or allocation of subsidized gasoline quotas for vehicles across the country,” he stressed. “Also, imported premium gasoline will be exempt from value-added tax, which will help lower the final retail cost for consumers.”