TEHRAN: Iran has suspended operations of several power plants due to fuel shortages that were intensified by rising demand during a freezing period.
The country is an energy giant and has one of the world’s largest reserves of natural gas, but it has been forced to ration electricity in recent weeks and close schools and government buildings.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, who advocates reducing fuel consumption, apologized to the nation on Monday for the shortages and promised they would be resolved by next year.
The western province of Lorestan was the last to take action, partially shutting down a gas-fired power plant on Monday due to “increased gas consumption among domestic consumers”, according to the ministry. IRNA state news agency.
This follows a decision by the northern province of Golestan on Sunday to close power plants and ration electricity, according to local media.
Sub-zero temperatures continue to be recorded across the country, leading to the closure of schools and government offices in more than 20 provinces, including the capital Tehran.
According to local media, the provinces of Isfahan and West Azerbaijan were the last to order the closure of schools and government buildings due to the cold snap. The population was also hit by power cuts across the country, particularly in Tehran.
IRNA said on Monday that the restrictive measures had saved two million cubic meters of gas and 100 megawatts of electricity in 24 hours.
