According to NIGC, Saeid Tavakoli made the remarks Saturday during a coordination meeting with regional and headquarters managers of the Gas Transmission Operations Company. “Those working in gas transmission are not merely performing a job — they are safeguarding the nation’s reputation,” Tavakoli said. “Every incident along the main pipelines tests your courage, expertise, and sense of responsibility, and you have always passed these tests with distinction.”

He noted that during past emergencies such as widespread floods, transmission staff demonstrated exceptional commitment, preventing larger crises. “On several occasions, if not for your alertness and presence, nationwide gas outages could have occurred, causing irreversible damage,” he said.

 Technical, organizational maturity in gas transmission

Tavakoli commended the professional growth and experience of the Iran Gas Transmission Company’s workforce, saying that many employees have developed through years of participation in major pipeline and operational projects. “You once worked under limited conditions with basic tools, but those experiences have shaped you into mature, skilled, and creative professionals,” he said.

He emphasized that operations now follow modern systems and scientific processes. “Teams that adopt analytical and systematic approaches deliver outstanding results,” he added. “You are in a position that NIGC relies on — not only for technical performance, but also for maintaining public trust. I take pride in leading a company built on experience, authenticity, and expertise.”

 A leading, reliable company

The deputy oil minister for gas affairs described the Iran Gas Transmission Company as a first-rate and pioneering organization. “The country’s reputation, the stability of its gas network, and the credibility of the entire energy sector depend on your performance,” Tavakoli said.

He noted that despite limited opportunities to publicly showcase achievements, the company’s importance is well recognized. Addressing management challenges, Tavakoli said effective leaders focus on identifying key priorities rather than trying to handle everything themselves. “Each responsible individual must define their core missions and create structured plans to achieve them,” he said. “Misjudging priorities reduces efficiency, and sometimes knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.”

 Unity between headquarters, field operations

Tavakoli also highlighted the need to address workforce shortages and operational challenges, stressing that expectations go beyond performing daily duties. “We must support and value the dedicated staff who carry the operational burden,” he said.

He called for stronger collaboration between headquarters and field units. “Differences of opinion or occasional mistakes should be viewed as opportunities for improvement, not division,” he said. “If regional managers feel greater communication with headquarters is needed, this interaction should take place in a spirit of cooperation and dialogue. No plan can succeed without coordination.”

As winter approaches, Tavakoli reminded managers that the season will again test the resilience of the network and its people. “We must enter this period with unity, careful planning, and full cooperation to avoid the challenges of previous years,” he said. “The path ahead is not easy, but I have complete faith in your perseverance and commitment — the same values that keep Iran’s gas industry strong and proud.”