Saeid Tavakoli stated that, as part of the projects, gas supply will be launched for 378 villages, one town and 2,762 industrial units, along with two gas transmission pipelines. He noted that a groundbreaking ceremony will also be held for projects to supply one city, 249 villages, 98 industrial units and one gas transmission pipeline, with a projected cost exceeding 41 trillion rials.

In addition to numerous urban and rural gas supply projects, several infrastructure projects will be inaugurated. This includes the official commissioning of 832 kilometers (about 517 miles) of national gas transmission lines, with a total investment of approximately 731 million euros, and the opening of six turbo-compressor units at gas pressure boosting stations. These stations, with an investment of 191 million euros, are located in Dehshir, Borazjan and Ardastan.

During this period, construction will begin on 104 kilometers (about 65 miles) of national gas transmission lines valued at 140 million euros, 21 metering stations worth 25 million euros, and the expansion of natural gas storage at the Nasrabad salt dome in Kashan with a 320-million-euro investment.

Tavakoli, who also serves as deputy oil minister, identified increasing gas production capacity and managing its optimal consumption as two key factors in solving the country’s energy imbalance crisis. He cited challenges including poor implementation of regulations, weak social backing, a lack of a culture of optimal consumption, the high share of natural gas in the energy mix, a mismatch between production and consumption, and the economic disincentive for optimization due to low gas prices.

"The only way forward is through synergy between organizations, institutions and our people," he said.

Despite significant challenges, effective management of production and consumption has been achieved this year, he said. "This positive trend in the national approach to managing energy resources provides hope for continued improvement in the country's energy situation," Tavakoli added.