According to the NIGC, Saeid Tavakoli made the remarks Tuesday, Nov. 4, during a coordination meeting with service companies. He said energy is not merely a regional issue but an international and security matter that shapes countries’ competitive advantages and directly relates to their defensive power. “In such circumstances, effective cooperation between the public and private sectors becomes particularly important to help address existing imbalances,” he said.

Tavakoli noted that the Cabinet recently approved the establishment of service companies, adding that “obtaining this approval was not easy — it came after persistent follow-up and the support of the oil minister.”

 Synergy Between Producers and Consumers

“The philosophy behind service companies is based on synergy between gas producers and consumers,” Tavakoli said. “These companies serve as a bridge between knowledge and implementation, and we have no choice but to collaborate with them.”

He emphasized that cooperation between NIGC and service companies would succeed only if these firms “build trust and demonstrate accountability in practice.” He added, “This spirit of cooperation and responsibility toward the country is something only those active in the field truly understand. In turn, we must ensure the security and reliability of collaboration. Fortunately, this trust was established last year — even under the toughest conditions — and during the peak winter imbalance, we managed to maintain gas network stability and fulfill our energy-saving commitments.”

Tavakoli said about 73% to 75% of the nation’s energy mix currently depends on natural gas. “Power plants, industries, and households all rely on gas, and any drop in pressure affects the entire economy,” he said. “Therefore, we must use this vast resource wisely and scientifically. Gas is our inner treasure, not a fuel to be burned away thoughtlessly.”

 Linking Gas Supply, Environmental Protection

The deputy oil minister for gas affairs highlighted the connection between gas distribution and environmental protection. “Gas supply has helped reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in major cities,” he said. “Every cubic meter of gas saved is a victory for public health and environmental sustainability.”

Tavakoli pointed out that while 76% of Iran’s gas resources are located in the south, more than 90% of consumption occurs in the northern and central regions. “This imbalance not only burdens the transmission network but also has environmental implications. We must therefore rely on service companies to optimize and manage consumption,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of social trust and public persuasion. “Social capital means people’s trust in us, and that trust has eroded in recent years. To rebuild it, we must speak honestly with the public and show that energy conservation benefits the country’s future and their own children,” he said.

 True Knowledge, Cooperation

In a self-critical and cultural reflection, Tavakoli said, “Sometimes we officials suffer from the illusion of knowledge. The way to overcome this is through engagement with knowledge-based companies, universities, and experts who have access to up-to-date data and science.”

“True knowledge only makes sense when we stand alongside the people,” he continued. “At the same time, the scientific community must not fall into the illusion of execution. Their duty is to generate knowledge, learn from global best practices, and present innovative ideas — though not every idea can or should be implemented under all conditions. The art lies in bridging these two realms — knowledge and execution — and reducing their gap.”

Tavakoli concluded, “We now have a rare opportunity for transformation. If cooperation among the government, the private sector, and universities continues, service companies can truly become an effective arm of the gas industry in achieving energy justice, reducing consumption, and preserving the environment.”