Iran cuts gas to Tehran ministry offices as deficit worsens
The shortfall has risen to about 530 million cubic meters a day, up from 300 million last year, threatening factories and power plants.
Iran cut gas supplies to the Ministry of Education and several other government offices in Tehran amid a deepening supply crisis. Tehran Gas Company director Alireza Avani said inspectors halted the flow after a sweep found energy-saving violations, including heating systems left on during the weekend. Offices affected include the deputy education minister's office, the statistics center, branches of the social security organization, the Cooperative Development Bank building, and a research center under the Ministry of Culture. Vice President Mohammad Jafar Qaem-Panah had earlier warned that the gas deficit could force limits on factory and power plant operations, as well as restrictions for the public. Iran's gas deficit is now about 530 million cubic meters per day.