Mohammadreza Aref, speaking on Saturday during a meeting with members of the Reformist Front in southwestern Tehran Province, said: “We face numerous challenges today, but there is no doubt that the government’s strategies have been effective. We are committed to curbing inflation while promoting production and addressing shortages.” 

Referring to these imbalances, Aref noted: “Continuing on the current path would be far less costly for the 14th administration, but we have a responsibility to consider future generations. We cannot deplete all the oil revenues and leave nothing for those who come after us.” 

He continued: “We will no longer allow electricity and gas to be cut off for industries during peak working hours. Instead, we have started addressing this issue with government and administrative agencies, and we are resolute in this effort. All government officials with excessive energy consumption will be reprimanded.” 

Aref stressed: “Government energy use must be reduced to 50% of current levels. You will see how serious the 14th administration is about this issue. Gas must go to industries. We will not follow previous performs where industrial gas and electricity were sacrificed for excessive household and government consumption. We will not overlook any unnecessary usage.”

Top Iranian officials in unison have placed a premium on the importance of public participation in optimizing energy consumption and called for nationwide involvement in the “2 Degrees Less” campaign.

Following the invitation by President Massoud Pezeshkian and Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad, various officials issued statements urging citizens to join the initiative aimed at reducing energy consumption and ensuring adequate winter fuel supplies, Shana reported.

The Iranian president on Thursday evening called on the public to conserve gas, emphasizing that collective efforts are needed to ensure the uninterrupted supply of fuel across the country.