A review of NIGC’s performance from February 1979 to February 2026 shows significant growth across both quantitative and qualitative indicators. The national gas network has expanded markedly, bringing natural gas coverage to an unprecedented level nationwide.

Expansion of the Gas Transmission Network

Iran’s gas transmission network has seen substantial development since the revolution. In February 1979, the country had about 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) of transmission pipelines. By February 2026, that figure had reached 40,432 kilometers (25,124 miles), significantly boosting transmission capacity and extending service to new regions.

During the 14th administration, 748 kilometers (465 miles) of new transmission lines were commissioned.

Infrastructure for gas pressure boosting also expanded. The number of compressor stations increased from 14 in 1979 to 95 by February 2026. Two additional stations were launched under the current administration, helping maintain pressure and stability along long-distance pipelines.

Growth in Urban and Rural Gas Distribution

Urban gas distribution has grown dramatically. In February 1979, only nine cities were connected to the natural gas network. By February 2026, the number had climbed to 1,358 cities. Three cities were added during the 14th administration.

Urban household access to natural gas rose from about 1% before the revolution to 99.05%.

Rural gas distribution also accelerated. The number of villages receiving natural gas increased from three in 1979 to 41,489 by February 2026. During the current administration, 1,149 villages were connected.

Rural household access, which stood at zero before the revolution, has reached 88.14%.

Development of Distribution Networks and Power Plants

The total length of Iran’s urban and rural gas distribution networks grew from 2,050 kilometers in 1979 to 471,944 kilometers by February 2026. Of that expansion, 14,678 kilometers were completed during the 14th administration.

The number of gas-supplied power plants increased from 18 before the revolution to 121 by February 2026. Four new power plants were connected under the current administration, enhancing fuel supply stability and overall energy security.

Gas Exports and International Cooperation

Iran currently exports natural gas to Turkey and Iraq. Gas swap operations are underway with Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan.

Key recent measures include the signing of a strategic memorandum of understanding between NIGC and Russia’s Gazprom Export, the extension of Iran’s gas export contract with Iraq, the signing of an agreement and launch of gas swap operations from Turkmenistan to Turkey, and steps toward reviving a gas import contract with Turkmenistan.

Natural Gas Storage

Total gas injected into the Sarajeh and Shourijeh storage facilities has reached 31.2 billion cubic meters. Expanding underground storage capacity, developing above-ground storage options, and enhancing network stability during peak consumption periods remain ongoing priorities.

Natural Gas in Iran’s Energy Mix

Natural gas accounts for 69% of Iran’s total energy basket and 66% of its hydrocarbon energy mix.

With a daily gas refining and dehydration capacity of 1.087 billion cubic meters, Iran is recognized as the world’s third-largest producer of natural gas.

Key Achievements Under the 14th Administration

Recent projects include the commissioning of pipeline segments Ahvaz–Shoushtar (114 km), Shoushtar–Dezful (96 km), and Pol-e Dokhtar–Kouhdasht (103 km) along the Ninth National Gas Pipeline.

Additional lines brought online include Dashtak–Nehbandan (176 km) and Minab–Siric (121.4 km) along the Seventh National Gas Pipeline.

Other completed projects include the first Parsabad–Aslanduz segment (26 km), the second Rasht–Chelvand segment (151.5 km), and the Nour–Kelarabad line (76.3 km), along with five operational centers — Sari, Kiasar Support, Arsanjan, Yazd and Ilam — and the Semnan pressure control station.

Construction began on the 154-kilometer (95.7-mile), 56-inch Pol-e Kalleh–Tiran–Dehagh pipeline. Additional measures included reducing maintenance times at compressor stations, increasing turbine operating hours by more than 21% year over year, commissioning the Khormoj 6 (Bagheri) and Borazjan 6 (Akhlaqi) compressor stations, and authorizing continuation of the Ninth National Gas Pipeline between Ajabshir and Marand (260 km).

Focus on the Seventh Development Plan

NIGC has initiated projects aligned with Iran’s Seventh Development Plan, emphasizing energy diplomacy, investment frameworks, expanded gas storage capacity, consumption optimization, and administrative and financial reforms.

Managing flare gas at South Pars refineries is a key priority, with a target to cut flared gas volumes by at least 65% by the end of the Iranian year 1404.

Short-term flare gas reduction projects are also underway, targeting a daily reduction of 3.4 million cubic meters of flaring. Similar programs at Ilam, Parsian and Bidboland refineries aim to reduce flaring by at least 0.56 million cubic meters per day by year-end 1404.

Performance During the 14th Administration

By the end of Azar 1404 (December 2025), NIGC had commissioned 748 kilometers of new transmission pipelines, two pressure-boosting units, and about 15,000 kilometers of distribution networks.

Gas service was extended to 1,247 industrial units, four power plants, 1,149 villages and three cities. More than 1.1 million new subscribers joined the network, and about 400,000 gas connections were installed.

Five operational centers — Sari, Kiasar Support, Arsanjan, Yazd and Ilam — became active, alongside the Semnan pressure control station. Progress also accelerated on Phase 2 development at the Shourijeh and Sarajeh storage facilities, as well as storage studies at the Nasrabad Kashan salt dome.

Continuation of the Ninth National Gas Pipeline between Ajabshir and Marand, spanning 260 kilometers with diameters of 48 and 50 inches, was formally approved.