TEHRAN, Iran, Dec.17
Trend:
The government has decided to prevent import of cars next Iranian year (begins March 21, 2020), Secretary of Auto Importers Association of Iran Mehdi Dadfar told Trend.
“Export of one million barrels of oil per day is anticipated in next year's budget bill, but that figure seems unrealistic. Thus, in the current situation, the government revenue is very limited, so given the country's currency reserves constraints, the government has decided not to import cars next year," Dadfar said.
Dadfar went on to say that as the government has not forecast any revenue from car imports in next year budget bill, it seems the import of car will be banned next year.
Referring to the clearance of imported cars stored at the customs, the official noted that the issue has not been resolved yet, while 100 percent of their purchase price has been paid to the sellers.
"Mismanagement has caused these cars to remain in the customs for several years. These cars are the property of the people, and they are waiting for the final decision of the government.”
"The total value of these cars is around $357 million," said Dadfar referring to the value of the imported cars stuck in the customs warehouses.
Over the past few years, the Iranian government has imposed an on-again, off-again ban on auto imports, which has disrupted businesses and pushed prices to outrageously high levels.