Iran has shut down multiple power plants due to a worsening fuel shortage, exacerbated by a surge in energy demand during a period of extreme cold weather. Despite being a global energy powerhouse with one of the largest natural gas reserves, the country has been forced to ration electricity, close schools, and suspend operations at government offices.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has actively called for reduced fuel consumption, publicly apologized for the crisis on Monday. He assured citizens that the shortages would be addressed by next year.
In the western Lorestan province, a gas-powered plant was partially closed on Monday, as household gas consumption sharply increased, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. Similarly, in the northern province of Golestan, authorities shut down power plants and began rationing electricity over the weekend, local media reported.
The ongoing cold wave has caused sub-zero temperatures across the nation, disrupting daily life. Schools and government offices in over 20 provinces, including the capital Tehran, remain closed. Power outages have affected residents nationwide, with Isfahan and West Azerbaijan provinces joining the list of regions implementing emergency measures.
IRNA reported on Monday that these restrictive measures have already conserved two million cubic meters of gas and 100 megawatts of electricity within 24 hours. However, with freezing weather persisting, the nation continues to grapple with energy shortages and the challenges posed by the severe winter conditions.
