Iran is grappling with power rationing and fuel shortages in the biting cold, even though it possesses one of the world’s largest reserves of natural gas. With the country’s demand at its peak, authorities are now forced to close schools and government buildings. Rationing electricity is another imposition.
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President Masoud Pezeshkian, a chief proponent of fuel saving, has apologized for the existing shortage with a promise to fix the situation by next year. Increased household gas consumption was the reason the western Lorestan province partially closed a gas-powered plant on Monday. Similarly, the northern province of Golestan shut down plants and rationed electricity on Sunday.
Sub-zero temperatures are felt in almost all of the more than 20 provinces, including Tehran, and schools and government offices are closed. Shutdowns were also ordered some time ago in Isfahan and West Azerbaijan states.
With most power cuts being reported nationwide, they include Tehran. According to reports, the measures save two million cubic meters of gas and 100 megawatts of electricity within 24 hours.