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Public urged to join Pezeshkian-proposed energy-saving campaign amid shortages
Following the invitation by President Massoud Pezeshkian and Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad, various officials issued statements urging citizens to join the initiative aimed at reducing energy consumption and ensuring adequate winter fuel supplies, Shana reported.
The Iranian president on Thursday evening called on the public to conserve gas, emphasizing that collective efforts are needed to ensure the uninterrupted supply of fuel across the country.
In a video message, Pezeshkian emphasized the health risks posed by air pollution and said improving fuel quality requires better control over heating in homes and workplaces.
“We urge everyone to join by lowering their household temperatures by at least two degrees Celsius to contribute to gas conservation and prevent disruptions in fuel distribution nationwide,” he said.
On Thursday morning, during a visit to an industrial and mining capabilities exhibition, the president criticized inefficient energy consumption in industries, offices, and homes.
He stressed that the government, producers, and citizens must work together to revise policies and adopt more efficient energy consumption patterns.
As an example, he noted, despite the current shortage of electricity and gas, the exhibition venue is so warm that we have to remove our jackets.
Pezeshkian pointed out that electricity and gas consumption in Iran is currently three times the global average. “This is while we lack sufficient gas and electricity to meet industrial needs,” he said.
Pezeshkian added that inefficient energy use in industries, offices, and households must be addressed.
“A cultural shift is necessary to prioritize efficiency and effectiveness in energy usage across all sectors,” the president stated.
Meanwhile, the oil minister underlined the importance of public participation in the “2 Degrees Less” campaign, saying he believes the current challenges can be addressed with public cooperation and without significant disruptions.
Speaking on Friday, Mohsen Paknejad noted that seasonal trends in fuel consumption often lead to changes in fuel management for residential, commercial, and smaller industrial sectors.
“Due to the increase in household consumption during the colder months, we are naturally required to impose managed limitations on other sectors to ensure electricity and gas supply for all citizens,” he explained.
Referring to a meeting held earlier in the day with Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadeq-Malvajerd, Paknejad said the session aimed to establish effective measures for optimizing the country’s fuel management.
Paknejad highlighted the potential impact of the campaign, noting that public cooperation could significantly reduce the already minimal risk of gas outages in certain regions.
“With the support of the people, I believe we can navigate these challenging days without major concerns,” he stated.
Also, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani highlighted the early arrival of a winter, stating, “To reduce air pollution, manage winter fuel supplies, and keep industries running, we must collectively maintain indoor temperatures at 20 degrees Celsius.”
She added, “I ask all compatriots to join the ‘2 Degrees Less’ campaign. Lowering the thermostat by just one degree saves approximately 25 million cubic meters of gas daily, which equals the output of one phase of the South Pars gas field.”
Sadeq-Malvajerd pointed to the optimistic precipitation reports from the Iran Meteorological Organization but stressed the importance of fuel resource management as colder weather approaches.
She said, “Iranians have always shown remarkable cooperation in critical moments, and we again rely on their support to reduce fuel consumption.”
Sadeq-Malvajerd emphasized that reducing heating levels by just two degrees Celsius in workplaces and homes could significantly impact energy management.
“Our country’s greatest achievements have been made possible through public collaboration,” she said. “This winter, alongside the joy of snow and rain, we can ensure energy reserves for the coming days.”
Shina Ansari, the head of the Department of the Environment also endorsed the campaign on social media, writing, “The message of the ‘2 Degrees Less’ campaign is clear: with collective effort and a small reduction in heating systems, we can achieve stable gas supplies, reduce air pollution, and prevent power outages.”