More Villages in Yazd Province Linked to National Gas Network

In the first five months of the current Iranian year (March 21-Aug. 20), 22 villages in Yazd Province have been connected to the national gas network. 
Gas supply to 93 more villages in the central province is underway and when completed, 2,395 rural households will have access to natural gas, managing director of Yazd Gas Company said.
“Currently, 624 villages in Yazd are connected to the national gas grid, which cover 94% of the rural population. Gas is also supplied to all 21 cities of the province, covering 100% of the urban population,” Ali Akbar Meidanshahi was also quoted as saying by the Oil Ministry’s news agency Shana.
Villages not yet linked to the gas grid are mostly located in mountainous regions of Mehriz County such as Shirkouh, Miankouh and Kanjkouh. They are expected to get access to piped gas by 2022.
Meidanshahi said gas supply to households is a priority and will be followed by industries.
“The use of natural gas as a fuel required by various sectors in rural areas has led to the protection of environment and the preservation of pristine rural areas, which have also contributed to the development of infrastructure and industries. Creating direct and indirect jobs [by providing gas] has been one of the factors for reversing migration to rural areas,” he added.
The gas grid in Yazd stretches over 2,000 kilometers. 
According to the official, the provincial gas company supplies gas to around 487,000 consumers.
Yazd is one of Iran's well-known hubs for producing textiles, ceramics and construction material.