BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 16
By Elnur Baghishov - Trend:
Daily gasoline consumption declined by 34 percent (from February 20 through March 13), compared to the same period last year in Gilan province in northern Iran, said Ali Asghar Abbasi Managing Director of Iran National Petroleum Distribution Company in Gilan Province, Trend reports citing ISNA news agency.
According to Abbasi, consumption of gasoline has reduced by about 1.5 million liters a day.
Abbasi added that during the same period, 48.4 million liters of gas were consumed in the province of Gilan.
The company official said that about 73 million liters of gas were consumed in comparison with the same period last year.
"The reason for such a reduction in gasoline consumption in Gilan province was the spread of coronavirus and the related restrictions," he said.
On November 5, 2019, the price of gasoline in Iran was set at 15,000 rials (about $ 0.35) from 10,000 rials (about $0.23) per quota and freely rose to 30,000 rials (about $ 0.71).
About 95-96 million liters of gasoline were consumed daily before the price of gasoline increased (November 15) and after the price increase, consumption declined by 20 million liters
Iran is one of the countries heavily affected by the rapidly-spreading coronavirus. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 14,900 people have been infected, 853 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 4,900 have reportedly recovered from the disease.
The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease.
The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.