With the growing demand for gasoline and limitations in domestic production capacity, the use of methanol as an additive has been proposed to reduce Iran’s energy imbalance. This study evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of methanol blending by examining domestic production capacity, reviewing international experiences, conducting laboratory analyses, and assessing economic viability.

Iran, producing over 12 million tons of methanol annually, holds a significant global position and has the capacity to support methanol-gasoline blending. The findings show that low-percentage blending, particularly around 3% by volume, increases the octane number, reduces certain pollutants, and could yield up to $1.6 billion in annual foreign currency savings. However, technical challenges, including higher vapor pressure, phase separation at low temperatures, and corrosion of fuel system components, must be addressed through resistant materials, appropriate additives, and optimization of blending conditions.

In the experimental part of this study, three types of domestic base gasoline were blended with 3% methanol and tested for phase stability and vapor pressure changes under different temperatures. Results indicated that some samples exhibited phase separation at subzero temperatures, suggesting a need for fuel formulation improvements or the use of emulsifiers.

Economically, analysis of different blending scenarios reveals that introducing low-percentage methanol blends could significantly reduce gasoline imports and save foreign currency. However, the success of this strategy depends on coordinated efforts among the petrochemical and automotive industries and policymakers, as well as the development of supportive technical standards.