He added that the Oil Ministry is pursuing fuel diversification and restructuring to optimize fuel management in the national network.

Speaking Monday, Sept. 15, on the sidelines of a campaign closing ceremony promoting a 10% reduction in energy consumption, Tavakoli said talks on importing gas from Russia are expected soon, though volumes remain undecided and depend on available infrastructure. If negotiations conclude successfully, imports could begin this year, he said.

Asked whether the country faces another winter of energy imbalance, Tavakoli acknowledged the challenge but said integrated management at the Oil Ministry, improved liquid fuel reserves, and earlier completion of gas refinery overhauls should help maximize supply to consumers.

He noted that at peak demand, the imbalance can average nearly 300 million cubic meters per day, and on some days reach 350 million to 400 million cubic meters. “With fuel diversification and restructuring, we hope to apply the best possible fuel management in the network,” he said.

On extending Iran’s natural gas export contract with Turkey, which runs until 2026, Tavakoli said talks have started. “Natural gas remains one of the cleanest and most important energy sources,” he said, adding that not only Turkey but all regional countries rely on it.

Tavakoli criticized some industries, such as greenhouses and poultry farms, for excessive gas use. He said their baseline consumption levels are set too high, with subsidized prices making their final products artificially competitive in export markets, even though some importing neighbors produce their own gas. He called for standardization to correct the imbalance, noting that the current campaign aims to normalize consumption in these sectors.

While he declined to give precise figures on “virtual gas exports” embedded in such goods, Tavakoli said a large share of food-related industries lacks proper standards. He added that negotiations on gas imports continue with both Russia and Turkmenistan and expressed hope for progress.

Tavakoli also said Iran aims to maintain last year’s level of gas exports, though he did not provide exact figures.