Iran is set to raise the price of gasoline purchased through fuel station cards starting September 8, with the new rate reaching 10,000 tomans per liter, or about $0.044.

Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said the existing subsidized gasoline quotas will not be affected by the change, according to korrespondent.net.

Under the current system, drivers can purchase:

60 liters at 1,500 tomans per liter - about $0.007

An additional 50 liters at 3,000 tomans per liter - about $0.013

The higher price will apply to gasoline purchased outside these existing subsidized quotas.

Mohajerani said the decision is linked to rising fuel consumption and the need to bring gasoline supply and demand into better balance.

Iran has been facing growing pressure over domestic fuel consumption, making fuel pricing an increasingly important issue for the government.

Iranian authorities said the additional revenue generated by the higher gasoline price will be used to support the population.