Arash Najafi, head of the Energy Commission of the Chamber of Commerce, warned about the potential intensification of gas restrictions this winter and its impact on gas-based industries. Given the gas imbalance and the failure to restore about 130 million cubic meters of damaged production capacity, 11 provinces in the country are likely to face gas outages or restrictions. This issue arises while the country's industries are still grappling with the consequences of energy restrictions in previous years.
Vulnerability of Industries to Gas Restrictions
Najafi pointed to the differences in gas consumption patterns across various industrial sectors and stated: "Some industries, such as petrochemicals, use gas as feedstock, while steel industries 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."
The head of the Energy Commission of the Chamber of Commerce emphasized the vulnerability of steel and petrochemical industries to gas restrictions, stating: "These two industrial groups have a special need for gas and are among the country's foreign exchange earners. Therefore, restrictions on gas supply can cause very serious damage to their operations."
Consequences of Gas Restrictions on Production and Exports
Najafi commented on the potential estimated damage from gas restrictions this winter, saying: "Even if such an estimate exists, it will not necessarily be announced." He also clarified: "Certainly, gas restrictions will affect production and companies' export commitments."
He explained the potential increase in production costs if industries use alternative fuels: "Access to alternative fuels like diesel is accompanied by limitations, and the use of mazut cannot continue in the usual manner."
Najafi criticized the governments' performance in managing energy imbalance, noting: "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."
He ultimately expressed hope that military conflicts do not occur, stating that if such a situation arises, it will cause serious damage to the economy. Najafi emphasized: "The government must prioritize the people; as this is also emphasized in the law."
