Saeid Tavakoli said the gas network has remained stable following the conflict. He noted that although parts of the oil industry infrastructure were damaged, coordinated management across the Oil Ministry has so far prevented any restrictions on consumers.

He added that four gas refineries in the South Pars region were hit during the war, but technical and operational teams ensured the gas network remained stable.

Tavakoli said responsibility for fully rebuilding two of the refineries has been assigned to the National Gas Company, and reconstruction has already begun with detailed planning to ensure timely completion.

On fuel storage, he said all power plants are currently operating at maximum capacity using natural gas. The company’s summer strategy is to minimize liquid fuel consumption at power plants so reserves can be stored for winter, when demand is higher.

Energy Operators Tasked With Reducing Gas Consumption

Tavakoli highlighted the role of “energy operator” companies, describing them as an international standard used by major global energy firms. Their main mission is to target non-productive sectors or areas with high potential for energy savings.

He said many of these firms are new technology-based companies that deliver significant results through small, independent projects. For example, technical improvements in industrial bakeries have reduced gas waste by nearly 70%, while modern methods in brick production have lowered gas consumption from 300 cubic meters per ton to 27 cubic meters.

He added that high-consumption residential sectors are also part of the plan. Contractors are working under national building regulations to implement measures such as double-glazed windows, upgraded heating systems and replacing outdated boiler systems with high-efficiency alternatives. Some companies are also focusing on cultural initiatives and smart energy management.

Private Sector Role in Addressing Gas Imbalance

Tavakoli said Iran has faced a gas supply-demand imbalance in recent years, adding that consumption management by the private sector and energy operators is the simplest and most cost-effective solution.

He noted a sharp increase in contracts with optimization companies since last February, attributing the trend to strong commitment from the government, Oil Ministry and Parliament. Weekly evaluation meetings have reduced processes that once took a year to finalize into contracts.

He invited all companies with proposals to reduce consumption to participate, assuring full support from the NIGC.

210% Growth in NTBFs

Tavakoli said the number of energy operator companies has grown significantly, from 22 firms last February to 67 as of May 2026 — an increase of more than 210%.

These companies are now active across the energy supply chain, particularly in high-consumption sectors. The ultimate goal, he said, is to minimize the risk of gas shortages during winter through improved consumption management.

He added that the economic outcome of this initiative is converting raw gas usage into value-added output. Gas saved through these efforts is redirected to productive, revenue-generating industries, creating a win-win for the gas company, private sector, industry and the environment.

Attractive Revenue Model for Private Sector

Tavakoli said the financial incentives for private companies are significant. Each cubic meter of saved gas is issued as a “savings certificate” that can be traded on the energy exchange. The current estimated value is about 20,000 tomans per cubic meter, offering substantial revenue potential for knowledge-based firms.

He added that nearly all provinces are now participating in the program, with only a few still finalizing contracts. The NIGC has no limits on accepting new participants.

Tavakoli encouraged experts and innovators to join the initiative, urging them to visit the company’s website for more information. He emphasized that the process is fully transparent, with the goal of shifting gas use from raw consumption to value creation and supporting the country’s industrial growth.