Iran's National Assembly Chairman called for reducing gasoline consumption because of the US blockade

Iranian National Assembly Chairman Ghalibaf called on people to reduce gasoline consumption, as the country has difficulty importing enough fuel due to the US blockade.

"Of course, part of the responsibility for such high consumption does not lie with the people, but with our industry. But no matter what, it is clear that what we need to do is reduce gasoline consumption," Chairman of the National Assembly and chief negotiator of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on live television today.

He noted that saving fuel "requires the consensus and wisdom of the whole community, and certainly requires the cooperation of the people".

"If used properly, we can meet demand with domestically produced gasoline," Mr. Ghalibaf said.

The call came after Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah said on August 26 that the US blockade made it impossible for Iran to import gasoline. "Gasoline output is not enough," he said.

Iranians have had to line up outside gas stations in recent days. Mr. Ghaempanah also criticized Iran's highly subsidized fuel distribution mechanism, saying that this approach brings too many benefits to those who own many vehicles.

"The distribution of gasoline in the country is not fair. Those who own many vehicles benefit from subsidies, while those who do not own vehicles do not," he emphasized.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on August 28 that Iran's imports and exports have decreased by 25-35% in recent months due to the seaport blockade campaign conducted by the US. To deal with the trade deficit and budget shortage, Mr. Pezeshkian proposed considering increasing gasoline prices.

In Iran, the price of gasoline people pay is calculated according to different consumption quotas. As one of the world's largest oil producers, Iran has subsidized gasoline for years to keep fuel prices super cheap. Any change in gas prices could also lead to political upheavals.

War between Iran and the US broke out on February 28. Since then, Tehran has controlled the strategically located Strait of Hormuz, while Washington imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on August 24 announced a plan to "economically strangle" Iran, and warned of consequences for countries that do not respond to Washington's campaign. The plan continues a series of sanctions imposed by the US and its allies since 2018, when President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear agreement signed by major powers with Tehran.

Iran immediately threatened to launch a fair response, announcing that it would expand attacks on oil-producing countries in the region and European countries, while also implying the ability to create nuclear weapons.