Iranian gasoline consumption during the recent Persian New Year (Nowruz) holiday (from 15 March to 3 April) set a new record of 135mn l/d (848,800 b/d), up nearly 10% year-on-year, according to National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company CEO Keramat Veis Karami. In 5 April comments to oil ministry press outlet Shana, Mr Karami says consumption peaked this holiday on 19 March at 164mn l/d (1.03mn b/d). Generous subsidies and rising demand forced Iran last year to resume gasoline imports (MEES, 17 January), with the country also dependent for 35-40% of its supply on the 450,000 b/d Persian Gulf Star (PGS) condensate splitters in Bandar Abass. PGS receives its feedstock from the giant offshore South Pars gas field where Tehran is investing $17bn to boost gas recovery (MEES, 14 March).