Amid spiking winter demand from households, small industries and commercial sectors, Iran’s National Gas Company has raised petrochemical gas deliveries by 20 percent above contractual targets since March 21.
According to Saeed Tavakoli, CEO of the National Gas Company of Iran, 1.4 billion cubic meters more gas has been delivered to petrochemical facilities compared to the same period last year (2024), the Oil Ministry’s website reported.
He emphasized that this increase reflects the company’s efforts to support production, sustain the value chain and contribute to foreign currency earnings.
“Even during the first three months of this fall, gas deliveries to petrochemical plants were 20 percent higher than the scheduled targets,” Tavakoli noted.
He added that these figures underline the company’s ongoing commitment to providing stable feedstock for industries and safeguarding production.
Tavakoli also stressed the importance of a realistic approach to winter conditions in Iran’s gas network. Temporary limitations in some periods are not due to financial constraints or unpaid debts, but are a technical and operational necessity to prioritize households and commercial consumers during peak winter demand.
“In cold months, households, commercial sectors and small industries account for approximately 80 percent of total gas consumption and securing supply for these sectors remains the top priority,” the official added.
Data from the first half of this year shows that out of 113 billion cubic meters of gas consumed nationally, the industrial sector accounted for 39 percent, power plants 43 percent, households 13 percent, public services 2 percent, and transport 3 percent.
Soaring Demand
According to Glamerza Koushki, head of the National Gas Dispatching Center, gas consumption across households, commercial facilities and small industries has exceeded 600 million cubic meters per day over the last six days, coinciding with a widespread cold wave.
On December 14, consumption reached 610 million cubic meters, roughly 70 percent of total national gas production. Koushki warned that continued cold weather is likely to push gas demand even higher, potentially surpassing 700 million cubic meters daily in the household and commercial sectors.
The National Gas Company’s data highlights the delicate balance between maintaining industrial supply and ensuring adequate gas for residential and commercial users during winter.
While petrochemical industries receive increased gas deliveries, the company maintains that temporary rationing or adjustments are not indicative of neglect, but are part of a planned operational strategy to manage peak demand safely and efficiently.
This proactive approach underscores Iran’s broader energy management strategy: support key industries, optimize gas distribution and mitigate risks associated with extreme seasonal demand, all while keeping the national grid stable.
