Gholamreza Koushki said Tehran recorded the highest daily usage because of its population density, followed by Khorasan Razavi, Isfahan, East Azarbaijan and Mazandaran.

He noted that average household-sector consumption during the first three days of Bahman last year stood at 645 million cubic meters, but rose to 726 million cubic meters during the same period this year. That represents an increase of about 81 million cubic meters per day, which he attributed mainly to sharply lower temperatures across much of the country.

Koushki said 28 provincial capitals recorded below-freezing temperatures in recent days, driving demand significantly higher.

He added that such levels of consumption have not previously been recorded nationwide and constitute a new record.

To curb usage, Koushki outlined two approaches: upgrading heating equipment — which he said is largely beyond the public’s direct control — and household conservation measures. These include wearing warmer clothing indoors, avoiding heating unused rooms, turning off heaters when leaving home, sealing drafts to improve thermal efficiency, and refraining from using fireplaces because of safety risks and low efficiency.

He also stressed the need for energy savings in government and commercial buildings, saying outdoor radiant heaters should not be used. Offices should turn heating systems on one hour before work begins and shut them off one hour before closing, and keep them completely off on holidays, he said.