Arash Najafi, the head of the Energy Commission of the Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern about the potential intensification of gas restrictions this winter and its impact on the country's industries. According to him, given the gas imbalance and the failure to return about 130 million cubic meters of gas production capacity to the grid, 11 provinces will face the risk of gas outages or restrictions.
Consequences of Gas Restrictions on Industries
Najafi emphasized that the steel and petrochemical industries, due to their special need for gas, are the most vulnerable industrial groups to gas restrictions. These two industries are recognized as foreign exchange earners for the country, and limitations on gas supply could cause serious damage to their operations.
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He also pointed out the difference in gas consumption patterns in industries, stating: "Some industries, like petrochemicals, use gas as feedstock, while steelmakers use it as fuel and reducer. None of these industries have the capability to store gas, and in the event of a shortfall, they will have no clear solution other than to reduce or halt operations."
Damages from Gas Restrictions and Alternative Fuels
Najafi further referred to the estimated potential damages from gas restrictions this winter, stating that even if there is an estimate, it will not necessarily be announced. He also emphasized that gas restrictions could affect the production and export commitments of Iranian enterprises, and this will certainly occur.
In response to the question of whether industries can use alternative fuels, he said: "The main issue is not just the increase in costs, but the accessibility to alternative fuels is important. Access to diesel is also accompanied by limitations, and production activities cannot continue normally with mazut."
He also warned about the possibility of replacing mazut with gas in industries, saying: "Comments about such a solution should be followed up by those who proposed it."
Najafi, referring to the consequences of continued energy restrictions on employment and industrial investment, stated that enterprises must manage the losses resulting from reduced production. He also criticized the performance of governments in managing energy imbalances, saying: "The government should have taken serious actions over the past 10 to 15 years to reform consumption patterns and reduce gas and electricity consumption, but such actions have not been taken."
In conclusion, the head of the Energy Commission of the Chamber of Commerce warned about the impact of escalating political and military tensions on the activities of the country's industries, stating: "In the event of conflict, industrial activities will certainly be affected. If, God forbid, a conflict occurs, given the conditions and events of the previous war, there is a possibility of serious attacks on the country's infrastructure."
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