While millions of families enjoy warmth in their homes during winter, few realize that hundreds of workers toil around the clock to ensure that heat never stops flowing. Peyman Khazraei, CEO of the Iranian Gas Transmission Company, sheds light on the realities behind the stability of this vast national network — one that transfers every cubic meter of produced gas without interruption, leaving no such thing as “untransmitted gas.”

He emphasizes that the true skill of this organization lies in managing operations under the extreme and complex challenges of winter, when household consumption peaks at more than 75 percent of total demand, and pressure control becomes critical to preventing crises.

Khazraei points out that the network is monitored through 150 control points across the country, where teams work in tough and sometimes dangerous conditions to balance gas flow between provinces by precisely adjusting intermediate valves. He recalls a 12-day conflict during which one transmission line was attacked — yet workers managed to restore it in less than 24 hours.

In an interview with Shana, the Oil and Energy Information Network, Khazraei explains how the company prepares pipelines and compressor stations for the winter season, revealing the engineering precision, human dedication, and moment-to-moment readiness that ensure every cubic meter of gas delivered to homes and industries remains uninterrupted.

 Network Capacity and Future Expansion

There are two types of capacities within the gas transmission network. The first is transfer capacity, which depends on pipeline design and equipment. For example, a 56-inch pipeline can transfer between 110 and 120 million cubic meters of gas per day, depending on the pipeline’s diameter and turbine power. The second is line-pack capacity, which refers to the volume of gas stored within the pipelines themselves — similar to how water remains in a pipe. Unlike electricity, which vanishes the moment power is cut, gas stays in the line and can be used during peak demand.

 Compressor Station Configuration in Winter

About 75 percent of Iran’s processed natural gas is produced in the south — mainly from the South Pars field and the Fajr Jam refinery — and then injected into the network. Demand, however, surges in the north, especially in major cities like Tehran, Mashhad, and Tabriz during the winter. Because gas must travel long distances, maintaining sufficient pressure and transfer capacity is essential.

To handle this, compressor stations are typically designed with a “3+1” configuration — three operational turbocompressors and one standby unit. The station’s capacity is defined by the three main units, but in winter, the backup unit is also activated to boost throughput beyond its nominal design.

 Can the Network Meet Winter Demand?

Yes. The system transmits all produced gas, leaving no “untransmitted” volume. Last winter, the same approach fully met consumption needs. The network normally operates at 800–900 PSI. During high demand, pressure can drop to 600, 500, or even 400 PSI, allowing stored gas in pipelines to compensate for temporary shortages.

 Record-Breaking Gas Transmission in 1403

Iran’s gas transmission network is highly flexible, adjusting capacity to production levels and consumption patterns. In 1403, the country set new records for gas transmission nine times over seven days. Between December and March, volumes rose from 857 million to a record 880 million cubic meters per day, with the highest mark registered on February 1, 2025 (Bahman 13, 1403).

 Underground Gas Storage and Its Benefits

Natural gas is stored underground for consumption management and emergency supply. Currently, two major storage sites — Sarajeh and Shourijeh — are in operation. For instance, the Sarajeh facility near Qom is expanding its capacity from 1 billion to 1.5 billion cubic meters. This storage system allows better management during low-demand months and provides reserves to offset potential shortages later in the year.

With ongoing maintenance, station upgrades, and smart management, the gas transmission network maintains stable supply to high-demand areas, especially in northern regions. Gas storage also enhances system resilience and controls seasonal imbalances.

 Network Monitoring and Communications

The Iranian Gas Transmission Company manages all telecommunications and telemetry systems across the National Iranian Gas Company’s operations, covering pipelines, refineries, and provincial gas companies. The system includes 551 telecommunication stations, 8,800 kilometers of optical fiber, 337 communication towers, and about 780 RTU units transmitting real-time data from stations to control centers, along with 4,000 kilometers of microwave network. This infrastructure ensures continuous monitoring and stable network operation.

 Managing Pressure During Peak Consumption

Accurate consumption management is key. On average, 34 percent of gas goes to industries, 34 percent to power plants, 25 percent to households, 4 percent to transportation (CNG), and 3 percent to other sectors. However, in extreme cold, the residential share can surge to 76–80 percent. Since homes are prioritized, power plants and factories must reduce consumption or switch to alternative fuels to maintain household heating.

Unlike electricity, gas transmission cannot instantly redirect flow. If demand exceeds the system’s capacity, internal pressure drops and adding more gas at the source has little effect — much like an athlete lifting a weight beyond his limit: without support, the bar falls. Likewise, if consumption outpaces capacity, pressure drops and the system cannot sustain flow.

 Maintaining Northern Network Stability

Ensuring adequate supply to northern regions is one of the company’s most complex challenges. To sustain stability, even reserve compressor units are activated. Sometimes, turbines must keep running past their maintenance schedule — a risky but necessary measure to avoid disruption.

With 150 control points across the network, field teams work around the clock, often in remote deserts, manually adjusting valve configurations to redirect flow. For instance, if consumption in Khorasan province rises, flow may be temporarily diverted from northern routes, then rebalanced once demand subsides. This dynamic management requires constant coordination and technical precision.

 Unexpected Crises Beyond Winter

Challenges aren’t limited to winter. In early-April, 2025, a sudden cold wave hit the country just as maintenance programs had begun. Heavy snow spiked gas demand, nearly causing outages. Thanks to the operational agility of the teams, the crisis was swiftly contained.

The company’s mission, Khazraei says, is to act decisively in emergencies — even beyond its control — to prevent crises. A recent example was the 12-day conflict, during which a pipeline was attacked. Despite drone and aerial threats, the repair team restored operations within 24 hours. Workers camouflaged themselves in darkness, relocated equipment, and continued repairs under fire. In some cases, regional managers and technicians had to take cover on the ground until drones passed overhead before resuming work. Several personnel were injured, yet their rapid response prevented fires and broader damage. These, Khazraei says, are the unsung heroes of the gas network.

 Operational Reliability and Safety Indicators

The network’s operational reliability currently stands between 98 and 99 percent, far above the acceptable 90 percent benchmark. Compressor station dependability alone has reached 98 percent — a result of timely, precise operations.

In terms of safety, the accident frequency rate (FR) dropped by 54 percent last year, with zero fatalities and over 20 million work hours without incident, reflecting strict adherence to safety standards across all operations.

 Training and Workforce Development

Employee training remains a key priority. In 2024, the average training per employee was 32.7 hours, while managers received 1,325 hours, and board members 1.96 hours each. The training effectiveness rate reached 82 percent for employees and managers and 89 percent for board members. Overall, a total of 264,725 training hours were conducted, including sessions for contract and outsourced personnel.

Through constant vigilance, rapid response, and professional dedication, Iran’s Gas Transmission Company sustains one of the world’s largest integrated natural gas transmission networks — a system that continues to set new records for reliability and resilience under the most demanding conditions.