Iran's refining and distribution chief: CNG capacity can replace more than 35 million litres of petrol a day

Mohammad Sadegh Azimifar, chief executive of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company, said on Wednesday 29 July 2026 that the country's current CNG capacity could substitute for more than 35 million litres of petrol per day. Citing attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure, he said stable fuel supply now depends on demand management and public cooperation.

He said CNG station operators have launched a campaign under which CNG is being dispensed free of charge until further notice. Last week the head of Iran's CNG trade association said more than 1,000 stations nationwide have been providing compressed natural gas free to owners of dual-fuel vehicles since 23 July 2026, voluntarily and at the operators' own expense.

The remarks come amid public discussion of possible changes to petrol quotas and pricing tiers; oil ministry officials have so far announced no new decision on petrol prices.