Touraj Dehqani highlighted the challenges of energy production and consumption imbalances in Iran, noting that the country ranks as the second-largest holder of gas reserves, the third-largest producer, and the fourth-largest consumer globally.  

He emphasized that Iran's energy consumption, especially of gas, is disproportionately high compared to its population size, geography, and industrial needs. 
Gas, as the primary energy source driving electricity generation and other sectors, plays a critical role. Dehqani stated that Pars Oil and Gas Company is responsible for producing over 70% of the country's natural gas.  

Dehqani added that more than 1,500 personnel work across 39 offshore platforms to sustain production from 350 wells. These teams faced cold weather challenges but managed to achieve a production record of 712 million cubic meters per day at South Pars.  

He noted that recent maintenance operations have improved the safety and consistency of gas production. 
Despite these efforts, energy consumption outpaces supply, leading to a significant energy deficit.  

The government is implementing strategies to address the imbalance, focusing on both increasing production and managing demand. However, Dehqani criticized the lack of attention to demand-side policies in recent decades, citing poor energy management as a primary cause of the current shortages.  

In the short term, particularly during the upcoming winter, he called for increased energy-saving measures. 
The official expressed hope that medium- and long-term plans could eventually reduce the deficit.  

Dehqani referenced the "Two Degrees Less" campaign, explaining that reducing indoor temperatures by just one degree can save 25 million cubic meters of gas daily—the equivalent of production from one South Pars phase. 
Full participation in the campaign could save over 50 million cubic meters of gas daily, alleviating short-term supply issues.  

Following the drop in temperatures, President Masoud Pezeshkian, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad, and other officials issued statements urging public participation in the "Two Degrees Less" campaign to optimize energy use and ensure winter fuel supplies.