Hamid Bovard, Iran’s newly appointed Acting Minister of Oil, affirmed on Tuesday that the country’s oil production and development programs are continuing with increased speed and precision. Speaking at his introduction ceremony, Bovard outlined a commitment to pursuing stronger policies in oil commerce and sales, emphasizing that these efforts remain a priority despite not disclosing specific details.
Bovard highlighted the importance of energy management, urging citizens to avoid wasteful consumption to achieve greater energy savings compared to previous years. He noted that fuel supply strategies for industries during winter are carefully coordinated through the government’s Fuel Committee, with decisions communicated to relevant agencies after official approval.
Stressing the need for comprehensive management of fuel consumption and infrastructure enhancements, Bovard underscored the value of a macro-level perspective in decision-making within the oil sector. In a meeting with managers from the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC), he called for strategic, scientific, and coherent approaches, particularly in refining and distributing oil products.
Drawing on his 35 years in the oil industry, Bovard emphasized the necessity of presenting information in concise management summaries to facilitate precise decisions. He warned that complex organizations might lose sight of critical issues amid daily challenges, suggesting that an external viewpoint can help identify problems more effectively.
On the topic of fuel consumption, especially gasoline and diesel, Bovard stressed leveraging domestic capacities for decision-making rather than relying on external influences. He highlighted the smart fuel card system as a key measure, while stressing the need to safeguard it against cyber threats to ensure stability and security.
Looking beyond immediate management, Bovard advocated for reforming governance models and organizational administration in the fuel sector. He called for collaboration with universities and scientific institutions to develop specialized training for young staff to maximize their potential early in their careers.
The Acting Minister also noted the strategic importance of main transit corridors for oil and petroleum products, advocating for a focus on these routes to strengthen infrastructure. Acknowledging the current state of the country, he said tangible measures must be taken to boost public morale through efficient resource management.
Mohammad Sadeq Azimifar, CEO of NIORDC, reported progress in oil product output despite challenges posed by war, sanctions, and financial constraints. He outlined a management overhaul focused on balancing supply and demand, developing the value chain and human capital, and adopting data-driven governance.
Azimifar noted that gasoline production rose approximately 17 percent due to increased feedstock and key operational projects, with quality improvements contributing to a 3 percent overall increase in production. Consumption management efforts have brought gasoline demand growth from around 6 percent to near zero, with reductions observed in recent months. Diesel consumption also declined by 2 to 3 percent amid reforms targeting pricing, consumption control, and anti-smuggling measures, leading to improved targeting of subsidies.
Overall, the leadership conveyed a commitment to both stabilizing and advancing Iran’s oil industry by combining strategic oversight, technological integration, and domestic resource optimization.