Iran’s first ethanol plant 85% complete

In Iran, the Islamic Republic News Agency reports that the country’s first ethanol plant is 85% complete with the facility expected for commissioning by March 2023. The facility is expected to reduce fossil fuel imports by $65 million. The country’s fuel market is challenged by continued US sanctions which also made construction of the facility difficult. Iran has previously imported ethanol from Brazil to make hand sanitizer during the pandemic but its strict anti-alcohol laws have created tensions.