This issue is being discussed on the eve of new US sanctions, as economic pressure increases and prices for food and other products rise sharply.
According to Iranian officials, current subsidized fuel prices are placing a heavy burden on the state budget. Currently, the country consumes nearly 135 million liters of fuel per day, while domestic production volume is around 121 million liters.
The government is discussing several proposals to change gasoline prices. Under one option, current prices would be maintained, but sales at some fuel stations may be restricted after the set limit is exhausted.
Another proposal envisions providing all citizens with 30 liters of gasoline per month at the cheapest rate. A third option involves gradually liberalizing gasoline prices.
The government is also considering a tariff of 872,000 rials per liter, about 44 cents. However, such a sharp increase could further intensify inflation through higher transport and logistics costs.
On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said there are many problems in the country and that the government is trying to protect the population from emerging difficulties.
Government representatives, meanwhile, said the monthly quota of 60 liters at the cheapest rate would be maintained. At the same time, quotas allocated under other rates may be gradually reduced.
According to Iran's Statistics Center, prices in the country rose by 88 percent in July compared with the same month last year. Food inflation exceeded 128 percent. An increase in gasoline prices could also lead to higher prices for other goods and services through transport costs.
At the same time, Iran's national currency, the rial, has also depreciated to record levels. On August 24, on the unofficial currency market, 1 US dollar rose to 2.02 million rials. The central bank's official rate was nearly 1.5 million rials per dollar.
The national currency remains under pressure amid inflation, slowing economic growth, US sanctions, and a war that has been ongoing for nearly six months.
The Iranian government is expected to make a final decision on raising gasoline prices in the coming weeks.
