Iran lifts ethanol import ban to boost disinfectant production

In Iran, the Financial Tribune reports that the country has lifted a ban on ethanol imports as it attempts to secure ethanol for disinfectants. The country is one of the worst hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and is desperate to bring the disease’s spread to a halt. Orders for the Central Bank to release foreign currency for ethanol imports are being prepared although trade sanctions may add additional challenges and delay despite the lifting of the import ban.