Iran has officially opened a new chapter in its fuel market by launching the sales of imported premium gasoline—marking the first time such a product is sold through the Energy Exchange and introduced into the country’s retail fuel system.
The move, which will begin as of Sunday, comes after months of anticipation and is being closely watched for both its economic implications and its potential to reshape consumer expectations.
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed on Saturday that sales of imported premium gasoline will start soon, stressing that the new product is entirely separate from the country’s subsidized regular gasoline. “This has no impact on first- or second-tier quota gasoline. Those prices and allocations remain unchanged,” she said.
The rollout began with the first shipment being listed on the Energy Exchange last week, signaling the government’s intention to diversify supply options while granting the private sector room to import and sell premium fuel.
Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad noted last week that private importers are responsible for supplying the product, adding that pricing will reflect actual costs. The Energy Exchange has set a base price of 70 cents per liter, though final retail prices may fluctuate depending on transport, distribution, and legal charges.
To manage the early phase, the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company plans to launch sales through a limited network of small-scale gas stations across Tehran before expanding to other major cities. “This initial rollout helps us test demand and gradually scale up,” said Karamat Veis Karami, the company’s managing director.
According to Reza Navaz, spokesperson for the national fuel station association, the policy framework for premium fuel imports was approved nearly a year ago and later supported by tax adjustments in the current year’s budget. About 25 companies have so far obtained licenses to import and distribute the product.
The Energy Exchange lists the minimum purchase at 2,000 liters and the maximum at 300,000 liters for distributors. Navaz emphasized that actual imported cargoes will be far larger and that prices may shift depending on market conditions. While purchases begin on Sunday, he estimated it could take one week to one month before the fuel reaches pumps.
With this unprecedented move, Iran is testing a new fuel-market mechanism—one that could gradually redefine how premium fuel is supplied, priced, and consumed in the country.
