DID Press: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, issued a sharp critique of recent developments in global energy markets, questioning the effectiveness of what he described as “paper oil” in meeting real-world energy needs. Writing on the X platform, he suggested that financial trading alone cannot replace physical fuel production.
Ghalibaf said Iran closely monitors market trends and the activities of major players involved in oil futures trading. He claimed that some companies are attempting to influence prices through financial mechanisms, actions he framed as part of broader political pressure and economic signaling.
In a pointed remark, he questioned whether such financial tools could ever translate into tangible fuel supplies at gas stations, adding sarcastically that it remains to be seen whether gasoline molecules themselves will one day be “printed.”
The comments come amid recent reports suggesting efforts by the United States to manage oil prices through financial instruments and forward sales, reigniting debate over the role of paper trading in shaping global energy markets and price stability.