Fuel Monitoring System to be Launched to Cut Smuggling in Iran

The CEO of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company announced that a fuel monitoring system for out-of-city fleets weighing over 50 tons will be implemented starting early Khordad (May 22 – June 21). He estimated that about 50% of fuel smuggling occurs in the transportation sector, and this initiative is expected to significantly curb the issue.

Mohammad-Sadeq Azimifar said that preventing fuel smuggling requires strict and effective oversight. Official statistics indicate that most smuggling occurs in the consumption sector, partly due to insufficient monitoring of fuel quotas. He added that a significant portion of smuggling also happens in transportation.

Azimifar noted that daily diesel consumption in 1403 (2024-25) was about 124 million liters, half of which was used in transportation. By analyzing data from road cameras, the smart fuel system, and road and municipal freight documentation, the company identified a 30% deviation in fuel allocation for diesel fleets. Based on this, they estimate 50% of fuel smuggling is linked to transportation.

He stressed that combating smuggling requires identifying the root causes of fuel diversion. While the company has multiple prevention programs, bureaucratic hurdles and inadequate infrastructure have hindered their success.

"Fuel monitoring in transit" to launch in Khordad

Azimifar referenced past initiatives like "Sepahtan" and "Sipad" from the early 2010s, designed to reduce human intervention in fuel allocation by tracking actual vehicle usage. However, implementation faced financial and bureaucratic challenges in the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development and municipalities.

The new "Fuel Monitoring in Transit" plan, mandated under the Seventh Development Plan, is set to launch in Khordad for heavy out-of-city fleets. Azimifar expressed hope that this system would significantly reduce fuel smuggling nationwide. - Shana