TEHRAN Jan 08 (Shana): Gas shortage is serious and in the event of falling gas pressure, NIGC has no other choice but to halt natural gas delivery to CNG stations.Speaking in a televised program last night, NIGCs managing director, Hamid Rerza Araqi, said the volume of gas consumption has gone up by 50 million cubic meters per day against corresponding period last year.
Gas consumption stood at 484 mcm yesterday, the official said adding rising gas consumption by household sector either has restricted the amount of gas delivery to power plants or has brought it to halt.
He noted that gas shortage has forced Petroleum Ministry to raise the volume of gasoil delivery to power plants to 120 million liters per day on average.
According to Araqi, unannounced visits to some ministries showed that some state buildings dont turn off their hitting systems after working hours ignoring a bylaw issued by vice-president.
In the meantime, Irans Petroleum Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said yesterday that the country runs short of 160 mcm/d of gas, calling on Iranians to reduce gas consumption.
With efficient gas use, all people will be able to benefit from natural gas and industries will keep producing, the minister said.
Zanganeh said restrictions are needed to be imposed on some sections so that gas flow would not stop.
He said Petroleum Ministry has delivered oil products to power plants in order to compensate for the shortage.
The minister noted that six phases of South Pars gas field must have become operational, but it has not happened.
Zanganeh said Petroleum Ministry is currently focusing its attention on the development of South Pars.
By SHANA
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