Masoud Pezeshkian asserted that all innovative methods to improve energy efficiency must be implemented.

Pezeshkian, speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration ceremony for the Ministry of Energy's projects, highlighted efforts by officials to manage fuel consumption in the country. He urged continued progress toward achieving national dignity and pride, stating, "We are a powerful nation with exceptional reserves, but our current way of living does not reflect this. We are responsible for this situation."

Addressing hostile US policies and unjust sanctions against Iran, Pezeshkian questioned the effectiveness of such measures, noting Iran's strong regional ties and capacity to counteract sanctions.

"They think our economy relies solely on oil and aim to halt our oil exports, but there are numerous ways to neutralize their goals," he said. "By managing our resources effectively and fostering good relations with neighbors, we can address imbalances and create a dignified life for our people."

The president underscored Iran's domestic capabilities to tackle economic imbalances, stating that the country's technical, scientific, and executive expertise makes the current situation unacceptable. "We can resolve these issues within a year if we believe in our abilities and act decisively," he said.

Pezeshkian also highlighted the push for solar and wind power plants, announcing that the country would no longer burn mazut in power plants by next year, leading to improved environmental conditions.

He stressed the need to reform consumption patterns, noting that despite a 12- to 13-fold increase in electricity production, imbalances persist. "In Europe, electricity production has doubled without shortages, indicating flaws in our consumption habits," he said.

The president pointed out that excessive consumption has led to significant problems. "If we consume wisely, we can save energy, sell more oil and gas at global prices, and increase public welfare. However, our current overconsumption has caused many issues," he said.

Pezeshkian praised the public's cooperation with the "2 Degrees Less" campaign, which encouraged citizens to lower their thermostats by 2 degrees, saving 20 million liters of fuel daily. "This helped us through the cold winter, and with public support, we will overcome future challenges. By next year, we hope to resolve energy and gas supply issues," he said.

He also emphasized charging high-consumption users the full cost of energy. "Despite repeated calls for responsible consumption, some continue to overconsume. They must pay the full cost of their energy use. Subsidized energy should not be provided indiscriminately," he said.

The president outlined government plans to install smart meters to monitor energy consumption, rewarding efficient users through media and relevant institutions. "High-consumption users will be required to pay the full cost of energy. Those who consume responsibly should not be treated the same as those who waste resources," he concluded.