TEHRAN – More than 100 million tons of petroleum products are transported across Iran each year, accounting for around 17 percent of total freight movement in the country, a senior road transport official said.

Mehrdad Hamdollahi, director general of the cargo transport office at the Iran Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization, said petroleum cargo plays a significant role in overall road freight activity.

He described tanker drivers as having demonstrated commitment and responsibility during challenging periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters and other crises, stressing that road freight operators play a strategic and indispensable role in maintaining the country’s transport cycle.

Hamdollahi said part of the challenges facing the freight sector require precise policymaking and coordination among executive and legislative bodies. He pointed to the uncontrolled entry of new fleets and the slow removal of aging vehicles as key imbalances.

Under the Clean Air Law, more than 120,000 worn-out vehicles remain active nationwide, he said. Over the past five years, cargo transport volumes have risen 20 percent, while the number of active heavy vehicles has increased by 57 percent, disrupting the balance between supply and demand.

Under the country’s Seventh National Development Plan, the entry of each new heavy vehicle is to be matched by the scrapping of one aging truck to help restore equilibrium in the sector.

Hamdollahi also noted recent revisions to tanker freight rates, saying transport tariffs for petroleum products have been adjusted in line with updates applied to other goods. Efforts are continuing to address remaining gaps through relevant authorities.

He added that amendments to the Social Security insurance law for drivers are under review in parliament to resolve insurance-related issues and clarify the government’s subsidy share.

Addressing complaints over delayed freight payments, Hamdollahi said measures are being pursued to accelerate settlements and improve stability for drivers operating in the petroleum transport sector.

EF/MA