Hamid Hosseini, an economic activist in the petrochemical industry and a member of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, examined the state of energy supply in the country on the brink of the cold season and emphasized the challenges facing industries. The energy imbalance and export restrictions due to sanctions have created special conditions for fuel supply to industries.
Challenges of Energy Supply in Winter
With the onset of the cold season, the increase in gas consumption in the residential sector and production capacity limitations have turned energy supply for industries into one of the main issues. According to Hamid Hosseini, the government has resorted to using mazut to manage this crisis. Given the gas cut-off to cement factories since the beginning of November, this solution has been proposed as an emergency option to prevent the shutdown of production units.
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The use of mazut fuel, especially its high-sulfur types, has significant environmental and economic consequences. While this fuel can compensate for part of the fuel shortage in industries, the costs arising from pollution and negative impacts on public health are among the primary concerns.
Status of Mazut Burning and Fuel Supply for Industries
Hamid Hosseini further referred to the status of mazut burning and said: "The government, with about 700 million cubic meters of gas at its disposal, first considers export commitments and then addresses the fuel supply for industries and household needs. Currently, the government is obliged to deliver mazut to 15 power plants that can use this fuel."
It is noteworthy that previously, at least 70,000 tons of mazut were exported daily, but due to maritime blockade, the possibility of exporting these shipments is not available. Hosseini noted that the distribution of surplus fuel among cement and industrial units has now begun.
He also referred to the situation of power plants and mentioned that due to environmental sensitivities, some power plants like the Arak power plant have turned to using low-sulfur fuels and liquefied gas (LPG). However, the challenge of supplying mazut fuel during the cold season will remain a concern for the government and industries.
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