TEHRAN - The head of the Energy Optimization and Strategic Management Organization, referring to concerns regarding fuel and commodity shortages, said: “With the planning that has been done and the reserves that have been anticipated, we have no shortages.”

According to a report by Mehr News Agency, Esmail Saqab Esfahani, the Vice President and head of the Energy Optimization and Strategic Management Organization, stated in an interview regarding some concerns regarding commodity or fuel shortages under specific circumstances: "These issues have been foreseeable for us. The necessary designs have been implemented nationwide, and the necessary reserves and mechanisms have been considered for various situations, including population displacement or increased demand in some provinces."

He added: "The Ministers of Oil and Energy are diligently performing their duties. Some infrastructure may be damaged in such situations, but our colleagues at the National Iranian Gas Company and TAVANIR [Iran Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution Management Company] are working around the clock, and any damage is quickly repaired and compensated."

Referring to the supply of diesel for those active in the transportation and essential goods distribution sectors, the official said: "The necessary coordination between the Ministry of Transport and Urban Development and the Ministry of Oil had been made beforehand, and these plans were made even before the recent situation arose, within the framework of the government's economic plans, so that allocation priorities would be clear in case of shortages."

Saqab Esfahani continued: "Currently, there are no shortages. In the initial days, due to public concern, visits to [fuel] stations increased, but now the situation has returned to normal, and if people go to the stations, the supply process is completely normal."

Stating that Iran's situation differs from many countries in the region, he said: "Some of our neighboring countries import about 85 percent of their needs, but Iran has been facing sanctions conditions for many years and has anticipated the necessary mechanisms to manage this situation."

At the same time, the Vice President asked the people to cooperate more in the area of consumption management and said: "There is no problem in energy supply, but we ask the people to help the country by managing consumption, so that we do not face shortages and can also allocate energy to sectors that create more added value for the country's economy."

He explained: "One perspective is that energy is consumed merely as fuel by the people and households, but another perspective is to allocate part of this energy to the production and industry sector so that it can be converted into goods, food, and products needed by the people."

The head of the Energy Optimization and Strategic Management Organization emphasized: "The less energy is consumed in homes, the more energy can be allocated to production units. In fact, by reducing the consumption of electricity, gas, or gasoline, people can help increase the country's production capacity."
In conclusion, Saqab Esfahani said: "If energy consumption in the household sector is managed, more energy can be allocated to industries and imports can be reduced, and even new shifts can be created in production units – an issue that will help increase production and strengthen the country's economy."

MA