Turkey Lifts Fuel Tariffs on Iranian Truck Drivers

TEHRAN (Iran News) Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh addressed reporters regarding the supply of spare parts for freight fleets. She emphasized that direct government intervention in fleet equipment supply is not the right approach. However, the government will facilitate the process, whether through domestic purchases or the importation of equipment and vehicles.

Regarding the latest negotiations with Turkey on removing fuel tariffs and the full-tank requirement, Sadegh stated:

“During recent meetings in Turkey, we successfully removed the heavy fuel tariffs imposed on Iranian trucks, as these charges had significantly disrupted transportation operations.”

She explained that Iranian drivers unexpectedly faced these tariffs while already inside Turkish territory, causing considerable difficulties. However, following negotiations, the issue has been resolved, and the fuel charges have been suspended.

Additionally, the Iranian government has also abolished the full-tank requirement for Turkish truck drivers. However, she noted that Turkish drivers still prefer to use Iranian diesel, despite the removal of this mandate.

Sadegh further elaborated that, as per the latest temporary agreements with Turkey, both the full-tank obligation for Turkish drivers and the fuel tariffs for Iranian drivers have been suspended. This temporary arrangement will be reassessed in three months during renewed negotiations aimed at resolving transportation issues between the two nations.

She also highlighted that Iran and Turkey will review fuel pricing mechanisms and address concerns over the inspection procedures for Iranian trucks, which she described as currently flawed.

Another key issue discussed was the need to increase freight weight limits and enhance cross-border traffic. According to Sadegh, the trade volume between Iran and Turkey should reach $30 billion, but current customs regulations and restrictions are hindering this goal. She stressed the importance of addressing these challenges to achieve the desired trade expansion.

Meanwhile Reza Akbari, the Head of the Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization, stated in a cordial meeting between the Minister of Roads and Urban Development and international transport unions that the issue of the Turkey border has been resolved. He mentioned that in recent months, problems arose at the Bazargan border, leading to several meetings to address them, ultimately resulting in positive decisions.

Addressing the Minister of Roads and Urban Development, he said: “During the minister’s visit to Turkey, intensive negotiations and meetings took place, and these discussions reached a conclusion. Those present at the meeting are eager to hear the results from the Minister.”

During the meeting, Khezri, Deputy of Transport at the Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization, stated: “In the field of transit, we have 1,785 active international companies across the country, with 50,000 transport fleets and 40,000 active drivers.”

He highlighted the growth of transit in 1402 (March 2023–March 2024) compared to 1401 (March 2022–March 2023), saying: “Last year, 14.75 million tons of goods were transported using 636,000 vehicles, with more than 9 million tons being non-oil goods, reflecting a 38% growth in this sector.”

The Deputy of Transport continued: “Additionally, in the first ten months of 1403 (March 2024–January 2025), we observed a 27% growth in transit, which is significant. During this period, 647,000 cargo fleet vehicles were active.”

Khezri further stated that since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an upward trend in transportation and transit, adding: “Since Farvardin 1399 (March 2020), transit has experienced relatively good growth, and despite a lack of support from regional countries, we have witnessed enthusiasm in this sector.”