Hamid Bovard spoke Friday at a meeting reviewing the progress of reconstruction projects at refineries damaged in the Third Imposed War. Noting that the rebuilding is going well, he said: "The reconstruction is on the right track, but my request is that the conditions be created for activities to move faster, particularly in the Phase 9 and 10 projects, which need to be pursued with greater seriousness."

Bovard stressed that projects under way should not be judged solely as industrial schemes. "These are fundamental, national undertakings directly tied to the country's interests," he added.

The gas network's stability is directly linked to people's lives

Pointing out that about 95 percent of the country is covered by the gas network, the caretaker oil minister said: "Stable gas supply is therefore directly connected to people's daily lives, and every employee of the oil industry plays the role of a fighter on this path."

Describing the state of the country's gas production and consumption, Bovard said about 230 million cubic meters of gas production capacity was lost in the war. At the same time, the gas balance on peak-demand days is negative by roughly 250 million cubic meters. Even with part of the capacity restored and efforts to recover more still under way, he said, the country will again face a gas imbalance on peak-demand days during this year's cold spells.

Stressing the need to manage gas production and consumption simultaneously, he said: "In these conditions, consumption must be controlled in all sectors, while increasing production is also pursued with determination. You are carrying out an enormous task, and I am truly grateful for the efforts of each and every one of you."

Oil industry workers' efforts are national and patriotic

The caretaker oil minister called the efforts of oil industry employees in gas production a national and patriotic service that helps keep the country stable. "While some are fighting and defending on various fronts, the employees of this industry, across its different sectors, bear responsibility for maintaining the country's energy stability on another front," he said.

Referring to the management of energy supply in the months since the war began, Bovard said: "In the few months since the war, we have tried to manage energy supply challenges and constraints in such a way that people do not face shortages."

Noting that gas consumption rises in winter, with household and commercial demand reaching about 700 million cubic meters per day on some days, he said consumption management becomes doubly important. The best solution, he said, is for households and commercial users to cut their gas use by about 20 percent.

A 20 percent saving in household and commercial gas use

Stressing that a 20 percent saving in household and commercial gas consumption is not a difficult step, the caretaker oil minister said people can help reduce consumption through simple measures: not overheating rooms, wearing warmer clothes, and setting heating appliances sensibly. "It is not necessary for every radiator to be on at all times, or for every room in the house to be kept at the highest temperature," he said.

Bovard noted that the gas imbalance has two main parts. The first is raising production, which is the responsibility of the oil and gas industry, and which "you, my colleagues, are carrying out through your projects and round-the-clock efforts." The second is managing consumption, which requires a public mobilization and the cooperation of all the country's people.

Referring to the favorable measures already taken to match production and consumption of petroleum products, he said: "In gas, too, if we can achieve about a 20 percent saving in consumption, we can manage the situation."

The need to prevent production stoppages

Stressing the need to prevent production halts across industries, the caretaker oil minister said: "You serve a whole society. Your work helps sustain the lives of millions of people and keeps the country's economic activity going."

Noting that all eyes are on the oil industry today, Bovard said very good steps have been taken to keep production and energy supply stable, which he called a highly significant achievement. "If the country has not faced a serious energy crisis today, it is the result of sound management and the efforts of the entire oil and gas workforce," he said.

Stressing his request that the oil industry's work not be viewed only through a project lens, he said: "We should not think that once a project is completed and the construction work ends, our responsibility ends too. What matters is the result of these efforts: stable gas supply, peace of mind for families, continued operation of industry, and the country's stability. We must therefore continue the work seriously, with this same national and responsible outlook."