In an interview on the ON television program “Kalima Akhira” on Saturday, economist Hassan stated that any increase in fuel prices, particularly diesel, leads to immediate and direct rises in the cost of goods, with the burden falling primarily on consumers. Despite expectations of inflationary pressure from such adjustments, he believes the central bank will continue its trend of lowering interest rates. He argued that currently high interest rates will help contain the impact of any new inflation wave.
Responding to questions about the apparent contradiction between calling a price hike the “last increase” and suggesting a one-year freeze, Hassan explained that future decisions on fuel pricing will depend on the movement of the U.S. dollar alongside global oil prices at the time. However, he emphasized that current conditions—including production levels, declining interest rates, and stable oil and exchange rates—create a favorable environment for maintaining gasoline prices unchanged in the near term.