TEHRAN, (TDI): Iran has ordered the closure of schools and public buildings in a third of its provinces, including the capital Tehran, on Saturday due to ongoing fuel shortages that have kept several power plants offline.
Despite possessing vast oil and gas reserves, Iran has struggled to meet surging electricity demand driven by sub-zero temperatures, with its aging power infrastructure unable to cope.
Years of international sanctions have further strained the country’s energy sector, leading to electricity rationing in recent months.
Also Read: Iran Nuclear Program at Point of No Return: France
The closures, announced on Friday, will affect Tehran, the Shiite shrine city of Qom, Kurdistan in the west, and Mazandaran and Ardabil provinces along the Caspian coast.
“This decision was made due to the cold weather and to manage electricity consumption,” the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
Iran faced similar challenges late last year, when rolling blackouts in November disrupted homes and businesses.
In December, government offices in Tehran were shut for four consecutive days, and schools in over half the country were closed to conserve energy.
Also Read: Iran to Hold Nuclear Talks with European Powers
The ongoing crisis highlights the significant strain on Iran’s energy infrastructure, exacerbated by sanctions and increasing seasonal demand.
