Reza Sepahvand pointed to the ministry’s efforts in eliminating flaring, noting that one of the most important projects, the NGL 3100 plant in southern Ilam, was officially launched under the 14th administration.

He said the project prevents the loss of $700 million worth of resources and makes a significant contribution to environmental protection. He added that the Oil Ministry has also performed well in increasing crude production, as well as in supplying and distributing gasoline and natural gas. According to reports presented to the parliamentary committee, fuel storage conditions for power plants have improved.

Sepahvand said current energy imbalances stem from years of underinvestment in power, gas and water networks. He argued that addressing such imbalances takes time, but critics of the administration are trying to blame the 14th administration for long-standing problems that date back one or two decades.