Ali Rabbani said Sunday at a ceremony to sign agreements for energy-saving projects that the petrochemical industry has reduced natural gas consumption by 1.7 billion cubic meters over the past four years through management efforts.

He said 84 projects are underway in cooperation with petrochemical companies, adding that once fully implemented, the initiatives are expected to lower gas use by 260 million cubic meters through improved energy management.

Rabbani said the petrochemical industry receives about 10% of gas distributed through the national network but generates about 65% of targeted subsidy revenues from gas sales. He noted that, given the sector’s processes, the cycle from production to sales and revenue typically takes at least 90 days.

Production units on the front line of economic pressure

Rabbani said production units are on the front line of today’s economic pressure and that his office is working to help remove obstacles facing the industry. One of the biggest challenges, he said, is shortages of natural gas feedstock, noting that the sector’s 10% share includes feed gas, process fuel and power plant fuel.

He said the petrochemical industry is the only sector that produces more than 90% of its electricity needs. During the cold season, he added, about 70% of gas production is consumed by households, commercial users and small industries, making proper consumption management essential.

Rabbani reiterated that the goal is not to reduce people’s energy welfare but to curb waste and promote appropriate use.

He said public cooperation last year helped cut consumption by 41 million cubic meters over two months in Mazandaran province, reducing national carbon emissions by 80,000 tons.

Rabbani also said energy savings last year funded the donation of 610 wheelchairs to children in need, eliminating wheelchair waiting lists in five provinces without any government funding. He added that savings from energy management in schools, universities and other institutions are being used to provide free energy services, including installing high-efficiency heating systems, to help turn schools into energy-efficient “green” facilities.