Iranian President Orders Weekly ‘Car-Free Day’ in Government Institutions After Fuel Price Hike

*TEHRAN, September 9:* Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed government institutions to observe a weekly *“car-free day”* campaign following a recent increase in gasoline prices, as part of efforts to reduce fuel consumption and promote energy conservation.

According to Iranian media reports, President Pezeshkian instructed the government, ministries, public offices, state institutions and government-owned companies to begin the initiative by keeping official vehicles off the roads for one day each week.

The Iranian president said the campaign should begin with the government and public sector and called for practical measures to reduce unnecessary vehicle use and travel. The initiative is aimed at conserving gasoline and improving energy efficiency, while also helping reduce traffic and air pollution.

Pezeshkian also stressed that fuel-related policies should not place an additional burden on low-income groups. He called for the interests of vulnerable sections of society to be taken into account while implementing changes in fuel pricing and consumption policies.

Iran has been facing growing pressure over domestic gasoline consumption, with demand reportedly exceeding domestic production. The government has therefore been considering measures to curb fuel consumption and reduce the need for gasoline imports.

The decision comes amid a recent change in Iran’s gasoline pricing policy, under which higher consumption is subject to significantly higher prices, while subsidized fuel remains available within specified limits.

Meanwhile, a *photograph of President Pezeshkian riding a bicycle has also been released and circulated on social media*, coinciding with the government’s call for reduced dependence on automobiles and greater fuel conservation. The image has attracted attention as a symbolic representation of the campaign encouraging alternatives to unnecessary car use.

The Iranian government is expected to encourage public institutions and citizens to adopt measures such as reduced vehicle use, public transportation and other fuel-saving practices as part of broader efforts to manage the country’s energy consumption.