In early November, a cold front from Scandinavia swept into 26 provinces, sharply lowering temperatures from the northeast to central Iran and triggering a surge in household and commercial gas use. The cold wave hit as several refineries and high-pressure pipelines were still undergoing overhauls, and liquid fuel reserves for power plants were below required levels, intensifying supply challenges.

Despite these strains, the crisis became an opportunity to strengthen the network through drills and emergency maneuvers. Observers closely watched the new administration’s ability to handle its first winter. Backed by the Oil Ministry’s special measures and cross-sector coordination, the National Iranian Gas Co. maintained nationwide service with no non-technical outages. Unavoidable technical interruptions were resolved quickly by field teams.

Record gas production, delivery

The Oil Ministry had projected maximum daily output for winter 2024-25, but soaring demand pushed the National Iranian Gas Co. beyond targets. While the official obligation was to supply 845 million cubic meters per day, deliveries reached a record 880 million cubic meters on peak days. Household demand far exceeded forecasts, climbing to 561 million cubic meters in December compared with an expected 468 million, with further increases in January and February.

From September 2024 to July 2025, average daily deliveries reached 776 million cubic meters, 12 million more than the previous year. The February 2025 peak set a new record, averaging 880 million cubic meters daily—42 million higher than the same period a year earlier.

Transmission milestones

Between December 2024 and March 2025, the Iranian Gas Transmission Co. set successive new benchmarks. On Dec. 7, daily transmission reached 862 million cubic meters, two months earlier than the prior year’s record. On Feb. 2, the company broke the all-time high with 880 million cubic meters delivered in one day. Total transmission in 2024-25 exceeded 282 billion cubic meters, about 6 billion more than the year before.

The pipeline network expanded by 255 kilometers to 40,222 kilometers, supported by 95 compressor stations. Ten new turbo-compressors brought the total to 350, with more than 200 running simultaneously during peak winter days—a record level that ensured stable transmission.

Crisis management in harsh conditions

To meet surging demand, backup turbines were activated across the system. Operational risks increased, but close monitoring and rapid-response teams at 50 key sites kept gas flowing. At Khavaran and Kheirgoo stations, daily transfer capacity jumped from 110 million to 157 million cubic meters. Round-the-clock maintenance crews and emergency generators also ensured operations continued during power outages.

Severe snowstorms in February caused technical failures, but facilities were restored quickly. The Shahid Mostafavi complex in Ahvaz was repaired in less than 24 hours, while issues in Rasht and East Azerbaijan were resolved by restarting dormant facilities such as the Sarab plant in Ardabil. A public energy-saving campaign, “Two Degrees Lower,” helped ease household and commercial demand, while coordination among ministries and state agencies supported uninterrupted supply.

Focus on Infrastructure, technology

Even without new refinery capacity, sweet gas output hit record highs thanks to operational adjustments and optimized use of existing plants. Lessons from winter 2024-25 led to new plans emphasizing infrastructure upgrades, efficiency gains, advanced technology, and stronger organizational culture.

Saeid Tavakoli, CEO of the National Iranian Gas Co., praised the tireless work of employees and the support of their families, calling teamwork and solidarity essential for sustaining and expanding the company’s achievements.