Speaking Sunday during an open session of Parliament before the agenda was set, Qalibaf said addressing energy imbalances—whether in electricity, gas or water—is a primary and immediate responsibility of the government, which must be pursued seriously in the coming days and weeks to achieve results.

He noted two main priorities in this effort: First, ensuring the public that the government has a reasonable, coherent plan that avoids shock therapy, and second, that the economic benefits from conservation and increased efficiency first go back to the people to foster public cooperation and the plan’s success.

Qalibaf emphasized that the energy imbalance is among the challenges that, if resolved promptly, wisely and with public support, could become a powerful economic driver.

Addressing this challenge, he said, would improve the productivity of national resources, enhance energy security, prevent industrial blackouts, expand exports and boost foreign currency revenues—achievements that would directly and indirectly strengthen people’s purchasing power and improve the country’s economic outlook.