Iran’s gasoline consumption falls sharply

TEHRAN,April 10(MNA) - Gasoline consumption in Iran averaged 61 million liters per day last week, 13.7 million less than the preceding week. over the March 31-April 6 period Highest consumption was recorded on March 31, the first day of the week, at 89.7 million liters. The lowest consumption occurred on April 6, the last day of the week, at 49.4 million liters, Shana news agency reported. Iran’s gasoline consumption is falling rapidly thanks to higher prices and compressed natural gas (CNG) use, according to the Iranian oil ministry, helping soften the blow of Western sanctions that ban fuel sales to the Islamic Republic. Western governments have blocked gasoline supplies to Iran over the last few years to pressure Tehran over its disputed nuclear program. But Iran has succeeded in significantly reducing its reliance on gasoline by tapping the world’s second largest natural gas reserves to make CNG and slashing subsidies to discourage gasoline use. Managing Director of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company Alireza Zeighami has said Iran’s gasoline production will rise next year by 18 million liters, or about 118,000 barrels, per day. The increase in output is expected after completing development projects at seven refineries, Zeighami said.