Tavakoli, who also heads the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC), said the company's priorities this year are rebuilding infrastructure and improving gas consumption management. He said efficient energy use during winter remains the only sustainable way to address the country's gas supply imbalance, part of which stems from infrastructure challenges.

He emphasized that demand management extends beyond consumers and has become a guiding principle across all areas of the company's operations.

Tavakoli said aging equipment, pipeline corrosion, faulty connections and measurement system defects can all contribute to gas leaks during transmission and distribution. However, he said several provinces, including South Khorasan, have successfully eliminated such leaks through continuous monitoring, equipment upgrades, regular inspections and preventive maintenance.

According to Tavakoli, South Khorasan has reduced gas leaks to zero throughout its distribution network, from service connections to pressure reduction stations. He said NIGC plans to replicate the model nationwide.

He added that eliminating gas leaks reduces fuel losses, lowers operating costs, improves the efficiency of the distribution network and minimizes emergency repair expenses.

Provinces Take Lead on Winter Gas Management

Tavakoli said provincial gas companies have been given greater responsibility for managing gas consumption ahead of winter, when some regions are expected to face supply constraints.

Under the new framework, each province has assessed its consumption patterns and customer base to develop measures tailored to its own capacity, helping reduce gas demand and strengthen the stability of Iran's national energy network.

He said NIGC holds two weekly meetings with provincial officials to review progress on energy efficiency and demand management plans.

Tavakoli also said resource allocation for major projects is being reprioritized, with greater emphasis on initiatives that improve network stability, production efficiency and safety. He noted that damage to gas facilities during the third imposed war has led to funding being redirected from lower-priority projects toward infrastructure rehabilitation and projects critical to maintaining the safety and reliability of the gas network.