Houshang Seydali, director of gas distribution coordination at the company, said the ban is based on issued directives and applies nationwide. He said inspections of outdoor commercial and public units have been underway since Nov. 22, during which gas consumption at thousands of businesses has been reviewed.

According to the NIGC, gas supplies to 761 commercial units have been cut after they continued using outdoor radiant heaters and fire tables despite receiving warnings.

Seydali said falling temperatures and increased pressure on the gas network during winter have prompted stricter monitoring. He said inspections of commercial units, temperature controls and enforcement against unauthorized outdoor heating are being intensified, with violations handled firmly.

He said expert teams are conducting periodic field inspections and that gas supplies are cut immediately when violations are detected.

Seydali added that on Dec. 23 alone, gas supplies to 95 offending commercial units were disconnected. He said the ban covers locations such as garden restaurants, fruit and vegetable markets, recreational areas and open-air swimming pools.

Provincial gas companies are required to identify violations through monitoring teams and take legal action, he said.

In cases of noncompliance, penalties include a one-week gas cutoff, billing at the highest residential tariff, charges for gas disconnection and reconnection, and a written commitment not to reuse outdoor heating equipment during the cold season, Seydali said.