Saeid Tavakoli, CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company, said consumption in those sectors reached a record 726 million cubic meters, according to reports from the National Gas Dispatching Management.

“Unfortunately, household and commercial gas use has climbed to an unprecedented 726 million cubic meters — a level that is exceptional and, in fact, excessive,” Tavakoli said.

Of the 875 million cubic meters injected into the national gas network, about 83% was consumed by household and commercial users, underscoring the sector’s dominant share during cold weather, he said.

Cold weather persists; cooperation needed

Comparing the figures with last year, Tavakoli said peak household and commercial consumption then stood at about 703 million cubic meters. While authorities had expected this year’s demand to exceed 700 million cubic meters, the intensity and geographic spread of cold weather in northern and northeastern regions pushed consumption to current levels.

Citing meteorological forecasts, Tavakoli warned that cold conditions are expected to persist, with cold air masses and precipitation systems moving into the country from the west and southwest. “The only way to ensure stable gas supply for priority consumers is greater public cooperation,” he said.

He noted that gas distribution networks in some areas are capillary in nature, meaning pressure drops or fluctuations at the ends of the network can affect some consumers. As a result, managing consumption is especially critical under current conditions.

One-degree cut equals one South Pars phase

Outlining conservation measures, Tavakoli said lowering indoor temperatures by 1 degree Celsius can reduce gas consumption in a residential unit by an average of 6%.

Based on estimates and past data, a 1-degree reduction during peak demand in the household and commercial sectors would be equivalent to nearly the output of one phase of the South Pars gas field — about 25 million cubic meters per day — a significant boost to the national network, he said.

Tavakoli urged consumers to take simple steps to help stabilize supply, including covering evaporative cooler vents, using weather stripping, setting boiler and radiator temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius, and turning off heating systems in unused spaces.

He also emphasized maintaining a comfort temperature of 18 to 21 degrees Celsius, saying it ensures comfort while helping keep the gas network balanced so the supply chain can continue operating without disruption.