Iran expands rail network and cuts gas leaks to reduce fuel consumption

President Masoud Pezeshkian said the priority should be expanding Iran’s rail network and electrifying it with solar power, arguing that prioritising rail over road transport will lower gasoline and diesel consumption, reduce subsidies and curb air pollution. He called for modernising public‑service fleets to hybrid and fuel‑efficient models as part of the strategy.

Deputy Oil Minister for Gas Affairs Saeed Tavakkoli reported that several provinces, including South Khorasan, have eliminated natural‑gas leaks in their distribution networks through equipment upgrades and continuous monitoring. The National Iranian Gas Company plans to replicate this model nationwide and has given provinces greater responsibility for winter gas‑demand management, aiming to improve network stability and reduce fuel losses.