According to the National Iranian Gas Company, Saeid Tavakoli said Tuesday during the seventh meeting on gas consumption optimization programs that this year will be an exceptional one for Iran’s gas industry. The session was attended via videoconference by senior executives, provincial gas company CEOs, refinery managers and operational managers from gas transmission regions.

Tavakoli said the projected energy imbalance for the upcoming winter requires a national approach, immediate decision-making and full mobilization of personnel across refineries, transmission lines and provincial gas companies to ensure the stability of the network.

The deputy oil minister for gas affairs praised gas industry employees for their performance during critical conditions, saying staff at provincial gas companies, refineries, the gas transmission company and operational regions worked in full coordination during periods of severe pressure on the network and prevented disruptions to the country’s vital energy flow.

Referring to the high risk of gas pressure drops for some consumers in several provinces, Tavakoli said operational plans for each province must include clear communication mechanisms, executive agencies’ response procedures and consumption management programs.

He added that key priorities include the use of modern technologies, replacement of high-efficiency heaters, optimization of engine rooms, elimination of unaccounted-for gas, expansion of smart technologies, deployment of contractors and early-stage refinery process improvements.

Tavakoli noted that provincial gas company CEOs are more familiar than anyone with the conditions in their respective cities, emphasizing that the scenarios should be prepared with the direct participation of provincial managers and in coordination with the central crisis management headquarters.

He also underlined the importance of forecasting consumption and sending informational text messages to subscribers, saying transparency in consumption patterns is a key tool in effective demand management.

Tavakoli described the gas industry as playing a strategic role in maintaining household comfort and supporting industrial and economic stability. He said all available capacities — from refineries to provincial gas companies — must be used to increase efficiency and reduce consumption so the national gas network can continue stable service throughout the coming winter.

At the beginning of the meeting, Tavakoli expressed condolences over the deaths of six employees of the South Pars Gas Complex in a recent traffic accident, honoring their memory and praying for their peace.