Iranian authorities have turned off highway lights in Tehran to save energy as the country faces a fuel shortage during the winter season. This decision comes despite concerns about safety on the roads.
Iran’s Energy Struggles Despite Natural Gas Reserves
Although Iran has some of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, years of underinvestment in the power sector, partly due to Western sanctions, have left the country struggling to meet energy demands.
Deputy Director of Tehran’s electricity company, Alireza Rezaei, revealed that the highway lights have been off for two months and will remain so until the energy situation improves. To manage the shortage, two-hour power cuts are scheduled in different areas, with residents receiving prior notifications via text messages.
Safety and Connectivity Concerns
Iran’s traffic police raised alarms about increased risks of road accidents and nighttime crimes due to the lack of lighting. Tehran’s City Council has also urged police to use warning lights to improve road visibility.
“We have repeatedly suggested using solar-powered lights to avoid such disruptions,” said Mehdi Chamran, head of Tehran City Council.
In addition to road safety concerns, power outages have disrupted phone and internet services, according to the Ministry of Communications. Many schools and public offices were closed for a third consecutive day, and shopping centers had their hours reduced to save energy.
Extreme Weather Worsens the Crisis
Sub-zero temperatures in most of Iran’s 31 provinces have intensified the demand for energy, further straining the system. Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi explained that air pollution and colder weather led to increased power consumption, urging citizens to reduce fuel usage.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, a proponent of saving energy, encouraged people to wear warmer clothing at home to minimize heater use. He apologized for the difficulties and promised a resolution in the coming year.
Environmental Measures and Import Plans
Gas-fueled power plants in Lorestan and Golestan provinces were partially shut down earlier this week, framed as efforts to protect the environment.
Additionally, Iran has halted gas exports to Iraq for pipeline repairs. Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad announced plans to secure electricity imports to handle the growing demand, though he didn’t specify the source countries. Previously, Iran imported electricity from Turkmenistan during peak summer demand.
