NIGC: 75 firms agree to join nationwide gas-saving push
The head of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) announced on Thursday that 75 operator companies had signed agreements with provincial gas firms as part of a nationwide drive to optimize natural gas consumption and improve energy efficiency,
Saeid Tavakoli made the remarks during the 5th meeting on natural gas consumption optimization programs, held via videoconference with senior managers from provincial gas companies, refineries and operational regions, according to the company.
Tavakoli said Iran would continue implementing gas consumption management programs, describing targeted optimization projects as a central pillar of the country’s energy strategy. He said current measures were progressing favorably.
Iran, which holds some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, has struggled in recent years with rising domestic demand, seasonal shortages and inefficiencies in consumption, particularly during winter months when residential heating demand surges. Authorities have increasingly focused on efficiency measures to reduce pressure on the national grid and maintain stable supplies to industries and power plants.
Tavakoli said ongoing projects included boiler room optimization, replacement of high-consumption heaters and energy management initiatives in greenhouses, poultry farms and other high-use facilities.
“These measures have played an effective role in controlling gas consumption and improving the efficient use of the country’s energy resources,” he said.
He added that consumption reduction targets had been established across sectors including agriculture, industry, power generation, poultry farms and greenhouse operations, with optimization projects being pursued in each area.
According to Tavakoli, 75 operator companies from 29 provinces have signed agreements with provincial gas firms, with the number of contracts continuing to grow as more companies seek participation.
He said expanding cooperation with operator companies and increasing private-sector participation were among the NIGC’s key approaches to implementing consumption optimization policies.
Iran relies heavily on natural gas for domestic energy use, electricity generation and industrial production. However, international sanctions, aging infrastructure and rapid consumption growth have complicated efforts to modernize the sector and improve efficiency.
Tavakoli said the continued rollout of the optimization programs was expected to generate significant gas savings nationwide.
He also stressed the importance of monitoring projects and evaluating completed measures, saying stronger coordination among provincial gas companies, refineries and operational regions — alongside the sharing of successful experiences — would help achieve Iran’s broader energy management and supply stability goals.