Saeid Tavakoli, the company’s managing director, described last winter as one of the most challenging in the firm’s history, citing fuel shortages, delayed maintenance and the transition between administrations as factors that compounded difficulties.

“Despite these challenges, the Oil Ministry, the National Iranian Gas Company and provincial gas managers and employees performed well,” Tavakoli said at a gathering of provincial gas company executives ahead of the winter season. “Their efforts symbolized the honor and resilience of this company.”

Tavakoli said provincial gas companies function much like live television producers: “You work behind the scenes under constant pressure, but ultimately you are in the spotlight. Despite the challenges, you managed to maintain stable gas distribution.”

He stressed that effective crisis management relies on prioritizing issues and making difficult decisions at the right time. “No decision is without cost,” he said. “But the key is to act when the cost is lowest.”

Energy imbalance remains one of the country’s most pressing problems, Tavakoli said, emphasizing that local coordination with governors and provincial authorities is essential for unified crisis response.

The gas chief also highlighted the need to improve efficiency and reduce waste, noting that some industries continue to neglect energy efficiency standards when purchasing equipment. “Such negligence, in the long run, harms everyone,” he said.

The National Iranian Gas Company is pursuing projects to optimize consumption, including introducing high-efficiency heaters, smart boiler-room controls and nationwide monitoring systems, Tavakoli said.

“There is nothing more valuable than delivering gas to the people,” he added. “Through collective effort, we aim to provide safe, reliable and sustainable gas services that improve public welfare.”