Iran International:

Iran’s government said the real cost of importing gasoline has climbed to 700,000 rials per liter (about $0.62), far above the heavily subsidized pump prices that remain unchanged as policymakers debate fuel-pricing reform amid rising import bills and fears of public backlash.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Tuesday that fuel quotas will stay in place for now, with monthly allocations of 60 liters at 15,000 rials ($0.013) and 100 liters at 30,000 rials ($0.027) continuing as before.

But she said Iran is being forced to spend $6 billion on gasoline imports this year as consumption soars past domestic output.

“It is natural that when foreign currency that should be used for other priorities is instead spent on gasoline – and some of this gasoline is smuggled – the government is obliged to act,” she said.

Mohajerani added that ministers must protect both the public’s livelihood and the country’s health and safety.

She said the government is preparing “serious programs” to curb fuel smuggling and added that the president has ordered automakers to expand production of low-consumption vehicles. “He made it clear they are required to manufacture more fuel-efficient cars,” she said.

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