Iran’s gasoline consumption surpassed 1 billion liters in the week of Sept. 6-12, setting a fresh record and underscoring mounting pressure on the country’s fuel supply and distribution network, state media reported on Sunday.
The National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company said average daily demand during the period reached around 143.7 million liters, up sharply from the annual average of about 130 million liters a day recorded before Aug. 23.
Officials attributed the jump in consumption to the end of summer holidays and preparations for the new school year, developments that often drive seasonal spikes in fuel use.
Energy experts have warned that, if current trends continue, daily gasoline demand could climb to 170 million liters within three years, creating a supply gap that would force Iran to spend more than $16 billion annually on fuel imports.
Average gasoline consumption per vehicle in Iran now stands at about four liters a day, higher than the global average of three liters. Analysts say the lack of advanced automotive technologies is a key factor behind the imbalance, as many vehicles sold domestically fail to meet international fuel-efficiency standards. Aging cars with far higher consumption and widespread fuel smuggling also contribute to the elevated demand.