Harsh Iranian Winter Exacerbates Gas Supply Problems

Heavy snowfall, rain, blizzards and frost have caused widespread disruptions across several Iranian provinces. 

In some areas, including North Khorasan province, schools and offices were forced to close due to a critical gas shortage. North Khorasan's Energy Management Working Group announced the closure on February 25, citing the need to "manage gas consumption." 

Similar concerns were echoed in Tehran, where Director General of Crisis Management, Hamed Yazdimehr, warned of potential gas supply interruptions for industries and offices that failed to comply with consumption restrictions. 

Authorities in Tehran, Gilan, Alborz, South Khorasan, Razavi Khorasan, North Khorasan, Mazandaran, Golestan, Ardabil, West Azerbaijan and East Azerbaijan have also issued warnings over gas consumption. 

They warned of potential power cuts in homes if gas consumption in power plants was not effectively managed.

Despite holding the world's second-largest gas reserves, Iran struggles with a growing imbalance between production and consumption. According to the Parliament Research Center, the imbalance last year reached over 300 million cubic meters on some days. 

The Iranian Meteorological Organization forecasts ongoing cold weather, snow and rain across most areas until the end of the week, further complicating the situation.