Masoud Pezeshkian, in a meeting to strengthen people's livelihoods, emphasized the necessity of preventing the halt of the production cycle and urged officials to take action to identify energy-saving capacities. He stated: "If necessary, I will turn off the electricity in my room, but I will not allow the heating of the production cycle to stop."
Energy Crisis and Its Impact on Industries
Supporting production in difficult economic conditions should be one of the government's main priorities. However, the energy crisis in Iran cannot be resolved by recommending turning off lights and forming local conservation groups. Industries need stable and predictable electricity and gas to continue operations, and energy cuts in industrial units lead to production stoppages.
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Gas Network Status and Concerns
Saeed Tavakoli, CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company, reported that approximately 130 million cubic meters of the country's gas production capacity has not returned. He explained that out of a total of 230 million cubic meters of damaged production capacity, only 100 million cubic meters have returned to the grid, and 130 million cubic meters remain inaccessible. This structural imbalance could reach about 400 million cubic meters per day.
The CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company also warned of the possibility of gas tension in 11 provinces and described the conditions in Mazandaran, Golestan, and North Khorasan as more difficult. These conditions could lead to reduced electricity production and additional pressure on the national electricity grid.
In such circumstances, questions arise regarding the government's operational plan to prevent production line stoppages. While the President emphasizes the need to keep the production cycle running, the Ministry of Oil has asked large industries to reduce their fuel consumption.
Losses Due to Energy Imbalance
According to Saeed Shojaei, Deputy for Planning and Development of the Business Environment at the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade, the opportunity cost resulting from electricity and gas restrictions in the industry and mining sector over the past year and a half has exceeded 500 trillion tomans. Last year, over 303 trillion tomans of opportunity cost was imposed on the industry and mining, of which about 175 trillion tomans was related to electricity restrictions.
These figures indicate that energy imbalance has become one of the main factors imposing costs on the country's productive economy. Given the country's energy production dependence on natural gas, there is a possibility of intensified electricity and gas restrictions in the upcoming winter, which could weigh heavily on industries.
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