Iran urges gas savings, expects daily shortfall of up to 250 million cubic metres
Iranians are being asked to use at least 10 percent less natural gas this winter. Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf promises to pay the value of savings straight into their bank accounts.
Symbolic image · Photo: Осадчая Екатерина / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Iran's leadership is bracing for a winter of scarce natural gas. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called in a video broadcast by local media for a national mobilisation to cut gas consumption by at least 10 percent. Anyone who saves gas would immediately receive the corresponding amount in their bank account, Bulgarian broadcaster BNT reported, citing the news agencies BTA and AFP.
Iran has long struggled with gas shortages, and natural gas is essential for heating, with winter temperatures often dropping below zero, especially in the north. The government says the war with the United States and Israel that began in late February has made matters worse, with US strikes on gas facilities, mainly in the south, knocking refineries out of operation. First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref projected in early October a daily gas deficit of 100 million to 250 million cubic metres during the cold season, according to the IRNA news agency.
Iran's economy is also under strain. CBS News, citing AP, reported that the US naval blockade of Iranian ports is restricting the oil exports the state depends on, while trucks are piling up at land borders as trade shifts to roads. According to BNT, the conflict now centres on the strategic Strait of Hormuz.