Iran begins transition of fuel cards to bank cards

Iran is implementing a plan to transition all fuel cards to individual bank cards. According to Reza Sepahvand, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament's Energy Commission, the goal is to fully integrate fuel cards with bank cards by the end of 2026, in accordance with the Seventh Development Plan.

The initiative aims to manage fuel consumption more effectively and prevent gasoline smuggling. Under the new mechanism, individuals will use their personal bank cards to access their fuel quotas, which will eventually lead to the collection of existing station-based fuel cards. This system is designed to ensure that station operators cannot independently access or distribute subsidized fuel.

A pilot phase has already begun in Tehran, involving 54 selected gas stations. This stage focuses on ‘identifying’ emergency station cards, allowing drivers to use their own bank cards via card readers to complete authentication and refueling. The National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company stated that this process is intended to increase transparency, reduce waiting lines, and minimize the need for station attendant intervention.