Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s president, told investors and business leaders in Shahrekord that the government considers itself duty bound to support producers, entrepreneurs and tradespeople. Speaking on the first day of his provincial tour to Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, he said the administration is prioritising removal of obstacles to production and close engagement with the private sector to protect livelihoods.
Iran economic resilience and immediate measures
Pezeshkian emphasised that energy conservation and cost control are the most urgent measures to strengthen Iran’s economic resilience. He said the country produces roughly eight to nine million barrels of oil and gas per day in oil equivalent, and even modest efficiency gains would free substantial resources. A 10 percent saving, he noted, would release the equivalent of about 900,000 barrels per day, compared with the roughly 250,000-barrel increase that would require some 6 billion dollars of investment.
The president said several universities have already signed agreements to cut energy consumption by up to 30 percent, and he argued that nationwide reductions even at the 10 percent level would alleviate many economic pressures on households and producers. Practical steps he proposed include switching off unnecessary lights, lowering heating by a few degrees and changing consumption patterns for electricity, gas and petrol.
Pezeshkian was clear that the government intends to begin reforms from within, asking ministers and provincial governors to model efficiency. “Saving means using resources better, not cutting essential consumption,” he said. He added that the government’s role is to facilitate production and remove regulatory hurdles, not to create new burdens for businesses.
Addressing public concern about prices and living standards, the president said no government meeting proceeds without considering the state of household budgets. To control inflation, the administration has prepared a budget with minimal growth to avoid stoking price rises. He urged parliament to ensure any amendments both improve livelihoods and avoid fuelling inflation.
Pezeshkian identified uncontrolled bank overdrafts and unregulated money creation as a root cause of inflation and warned that authorities must act to rein in those practices. On subsidies, he stated that payments will not be removed but questioned whether they should be applied at the start of supply chains or directed to final consumers. Giving subsidies at the start of the chain can disproportionately benefit high-income consumers, he said, while targeting final consumers would reduce rent-seeking, corruption and the need for costly inspection mechanisms.
Throughout the meeting with local investors and business representatives, the president repeated his call for unity in the face of external economic pressure. He described producers and economic actors as the main commanders and soldiers in the national effort to safeguard growth and insisted the government will back them by removing barriers and offering support where needed.
Investors in the province welcomed the emphasis on pragmatic solutions and clearer communication with the government. Officials have been asked to translate central policy into tangible steps at the provincial level, where energy-saving contracts and local measures could deliver quick fiscal relief and support for employment.
Pezeshkian’s remarks underline a focus on pragmatic fiscal discipline, targeted subsidies and energy efficiency as immediate levers to strengthen Iran’s economic resilience while protecting households and encouraging production.
Key Takeaways:
- President Masoud Pezeshkian pledges government support for producers and entrepreneurs to remove obstacles to growth.
- Energy savings and efficiency could free roughly 900,000 barrels per day if just 10% is conserved, easing fiscal pressure.
- Government budget presented with minimal growth to control inflation while addressing household livelihoods.
- Reforms will target bank overdraws and subsidy allocation to reduce corruption and improve distribution.
