Iran has warned of worsening domestic natural gas shortages this winter following damage to processing facilities during its war with the United States, raising the possibility of supply cuts across the country, including the capital, Tehran.
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Tuesday that excessive consumption could force authorities to restrict gas supplies nationwide.
“If the level of consumption is high it is possible that gas cuts will occur all over the country, including in Tehran,” she told a news conference in the capital.
Mohajerani projected a gas supply deficit of 430 million cubic metres this year, compared with about 300 million cubic metres recorded in previous years.
Iran, a major oil producer, holds part of the world’s largest natural gas field but has struggled to meet domestic demand because of ageing infrastructure and international sanctions. The situation has been further complicated by a US blockade of its ports.
The country experienced gas shortages and electricity cuts even before the conflict began with US and Israeli air strikes on February 28, with the damage to energy infrastructure worsening the situation.
Managing Director of the National Iranian Gas Company, Saeed Tavakoli, said four gas processing plants were damaged during the initial phase of the conflict earlier this year.
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The damage initially reduced processing capacity by 230 million cubic metres, although about 100 million cubic metres had since been restored, he said.
Last week, the company warned that 11 of Iran’s 31 provinces could experience gas supply difficulties this winter.
The most vulnerable areas include Mazandaran, on the Caspian coast, as well as Golestan and North Khorasan, which border Turkmenistan.
Iranian leaders have called on residents to reduce consumption to ease pressure on supplies.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf on Sunday urged households to cut their gas consumption by 10 per cent ahead of winter.
First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref was also quoted by state news agency IRNA on Monday as warning that excessive consumption amid reduced supplies could lead to higher gas prices.
