Saeid Tavakoli, speaking at a ceremony honoring former Energy and Carbon Department director Sajjad Kashefi and introducing his successor, Ali-Asghar Rajabi, emphasized the exceptional gas consumption and network management amid an unusually cold season. “This year’s consumption and network operations are unparalleled compared to previous years,” Tavakoli stated. 

He noted measures taken in refineries, gas transmission lines, and pressure-boosting stations, highlighting the Ministry of Oil's focus on work and service rather than media publicity. “At the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC), we present our achievements with real, tangible figures,” he said. 

Tavakoli further noted that gas production records were broken this year, with the delivery reaching 855 million cubic meters—10 million above the approved target. 

Discussing gas consumption management during the cold season, he reiterated NIGC’s prior commitments to industries, explaining that gas supplies to the industrial sector are prioritized for eight months of the year.

During the final four months, industries are expected to source their energy and feedstock from alternative resources. “Nonetheless, we remain committed to supporting the industrial sector to protect national interests and the productive economy,” the official added. 

Addressing energy and carbon management efforts, Tavakoli praised Sajjad Kashefi for effectively utilizing legal capacities and achieving notable progress during his tenure. “It’s important to remember that carbon and energy management isn’t a stand-alone unit but requires integrated approaches,” he said. 

Tavakoli expressed his expectations for Ali-Asghar Rajabi, the new energy and carbon management director, to collaborate with NIGC’s integrated planning management to reduce the country’s gas imbalance. “Any reduction in these figures is of great value to the country,” he remarked. 

Sajjad Kashefi, the outgoing director, thanked his colleagues for their collaboration, citing achievements such as launching the energy optimization market over the past year. 

Ali-Asghar Rajabi, the newly appointed director, described working in the gas industry during the current cold conditions as both significant and honorable. “Our goal is to adopt a systemic approach to optimization, aligning hardware and software solutions within a comprehensive, cross-sectoral network,” Rajabi stated.