However, statistics show that gas delivery to power plants increased during the Iranian months of Azar, Dey, and Bahman, despite a rise in the number of subscribers.

This year’s cold weather in Iran began much earlier than in previous years due to a Scandinavian cold front arriving in Aban (eighth Iranian calendar month).

The cold and precipitation during the first week of Aban were unprecedented compared to the past five years. As a result, 11 northern provinces experienced a sharp drop in temperatures, with averages falling by 12 degrees Celsius. Gas consumption in the first four days of Aban increased by 55% compared to the same period last year.

The cold persisted through Azar, Dey, and Bahman, with the coldest week of the year beginning on 20 Bahman. Snow and rain across the country caused temperatures to drop significantly, with 21 provinces experiencing extreme cold.

Despite these challenges, the oil industry’s round-the-clock efforts and strategic planning ensured stable gas production, processing, and distribution. This kept homes warm, with only minor, quickly resolved technical disruptions.

During this period, seven consecutive records were set for sweet gas production, peaking at 880 million cubic meters on 13 Bahman. The average daily gas delivery to the network was 850 million cubic meters in Azar, 863 million in Dey, and 871 million in the first 20 days of Bahman (Jan. 20-Feb. 8).

Record gas consumption in residential sector

With residential gas supply prioritized during cold days, up to 78% of sweet gas delivered to the network was allocated to residential, commercial, and small industrial sectors.

The highest gas consumption record in this sector was set on 22 Bahman, reaching 681 million cubic meters. The Ministry of Oil also worked to meet the gas needs of power plants, which play a critical role in supplying the country’s electricity.

Official statistics show that gas delivery to power plants during Azar, Dey, and Bahman increased compared to the same periods in the previous two years.

Increased gas delivery to power plants

On average, daily gas delivery to power plants in Azar 1401 was 136 million cubic meters, compared to 131 million in Azar 1402 and 142 million this year.

In Dey 1401, it was 87 million cubic meters, rising to 123 million in Dey 1402 and remaining at 123 million this year. From 1 to 20 Bahman, the average daily delivery was 113 million cubic meters in 1401, 121 million in 1402, and 123 million this year.

These figures indicate a 3.5% increase compared to last year and a 16% rise compared to 1401, reflecting the Ministry of Oil’s precise planning.

The need for consumption management

Expanding gas infrastructure and increasing extraction alone cannot meet the growing demand for energy without optimizing consumption.

Rising production without changes in consumption patterns is unsustainable. Given the significant increase in gas usage across residential, industrial, and power sectors, stable energy supply during critical times requires careful resource management and effective policies. Public initiatives, such as joining the “2 Degrees Less” campaign, can help reduce gas consumption and improve energy management.

Lowering heating devices by just 2 degrees had a positive impact this winter, reducing daily residential and commercial gas consumption by 25 to 40 million cubic meters. This ensured stable warmth for households nationwide while keeping industries operational and supporting the economy.