Iran says ready for any possible gasoline sanction

TEHRAN (Reuters) – Iran is prepared to deal with any possible sanctions on its imports of gasoline that world powers might impose over Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme, Oil Minister Massoud Mirkazemi said on Wednesday.

While Iran is the world’s fifth-largest crude exporter, it still has to import up to 40 percent of its gasoline supplies as it lacks the refining capacity to meet domestic demand. The United States and its European allies may target fuel imports if Tehran refuses to enter talks over its nuclear programme.

“We are ready to deal with any possible gasoline sanction … We have stocked relatively enough gasoline and also we have signed deals with some countries to purchase gasoline,” Mirkazemi told reporters, state television reported.

The West suspects Iran aims to make nuclear bombs, while Tehran insists it needs atomic fuel to generate electricity.

Reuters