Gas imbalance management has become a key issue in energy policy-making. Given the limitations of resources, relying solely on strategies to increase production or restrict consumption among a group of consumers cannot meet current needs. In this regard, four key strategies have been proposed to manage this situation.
Tariff Reform and Consumption Control
Reforming tiered tariffs for high-consumption customers has been proposed as one of the essential measures. This action can help reduce unnecessary consumption and increase motivation to control usage. Additionally, monitoring gas use in unnecessary activities, such as heating outdoor spaces and using liquid fuel in power plants, should be pursued seriously. The additional costs resulting from gas consumption in this area can limit export opportunities for petroleum products.
Optimization and Gas Imports
Developing energy consumption optimization plans in collaboration with contractor companies and examining the feasibility of economically importing gas from neighboring countries, including Russia and Turkmenistan, can help free up exportable diesel. This policy should be based on cost calculations, transfer capacity, and market prices. If designed and implemented accurately, this approach can be expected to reduce energy waste, increase power plant efficiency, and strengthen foreign currency earning capacity.
Experts believe that distinguishing between essential and non-essential consumption and allocating limited energy resources to activities that yield higher returns for the economy are among the key points in managing gas imbalance. To achieve these goals, monitoring unconventional consumption and investing in optimization must be carried out simultaneously.
One area that needs reconsideration is the allocation of gas to petrochemical activities. The production of low-value-added products, such as methane, should be subjected to thorough economic evaluation to ensure that gas resources are allocated to activities that provide the most economic benefit to the country.
In the industrial sector, decision-making regarding gas allocation to low-value-added activities should be accompanied by careful economic assessment. Additionally, changing the fuel composition of power plants can help improve energy efficiency. Using gas instead of diesel in power plants, if adequate infrastructure exists, can free up some liquid fuel for storage or export.
Given the rising price of diesel in regional and international markets, a suitable opportunity has arisen for the development of exports of this product. Furthermore, collaboration with contractor companies for building optimization and energy savings can help reduce gas waste. Ultimately, for the success of these plans, financing and the economic viability of contractor companies' activities are essential.
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