Ramezanali Sangdovini said rising domestic gas consumption and growing demand from industries and power plants make increased production from onshore gas fields both necessary and strategically important.

“With gas consumption continuing to grow across the country, expanding output from onshore fields is an essential step,” he said, adding that utilizing all available production capacities could help reduce pressure on the nation’s energy system.

Sangdovini also highlighted the role of private-sector participation in accelerating oil and gas projects. He said recent experience has shown that private investment and expertise can speed up the implementation of major energy developments while improving their economic efficiency.

He noted that expanding field development and increasing production are only part of the solution for managing gas resources. Equal attention, he said, should be given to collecting associated gas that would otherwise be wasted.

“Gas flaring not only results in the loss of valuable energy resources but also has significant environmental consequences,” Sangdovini said. “Reducing flaring is an economic and environmental necessity.”

The lawmaker added that operations across Iran’s oil industry continued uninterrupted during the Third Imposed War, demonstrating the sector’s technical capabilities, management experience and commitment. He said the continued production and development of oil and gas fields under wartime conditions reflected the dedication of the oil minister, industry managers and employees.

Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad recently announced the launch of the emergency onshore gas production initiative, saying the program is being pursued at an accelerated pace. According to the minister, the plan combines increased gas output, field development and associated gas recovery efforts to strengthen the country’s energy supply.