Saeid Tavakoli made the statement on Sunday, during the 13th Winter Fuel Supply Coordination Meeting, held via videoconference with senior officials and provincial gas company managers.

Addressing the nation’s gas production and consumption, he emphasized the critical need for a national approach to managing gas usage while prioritizing essential needs.

“As we have repeatedly stressed, maintaining a stable gas supply for households remains the top priority principle for the NIGC during the cold season,” Tavakoli said.

The deputy minister of petroleum for gas affairs compared current consumption levels with last year, noting a significant rise in residential, commercial, and small industrial gas usage due to recent temperature drops.

“Over the past 24 hours, residential and commercial gas consumption has increased by 130 million cubic meters compared to the same period last year, with current levels in December matching the daily consumption seen in February,” he explained.

Tavakoli also highlighted the supply of gas to power plants, stating that ensuring adequate supply for this sector is the company’s second priority after households.

“Currently, 70% of the country’s gas is consumed by residential, commercial, and small industrial sectors. Despite this high demand, the company is making every effort to meet the power plants’ gas requirements,” he added.

“This year is unprecedented [in terms of gas consumption] and cannot be compared to last year,” Tavakoli noted, urging provincial officials and citizens to optimize gas consumption. He called for maximum cooperation in monitoring temperatures in offices and public buildings to ensure all citizens, particularly those in northern provinces, have access to a stable gas supply.