Speaking at a meeting with the head and members of the
Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture on Tuesday,
Bovard said private companies and industry associations could contribute to
reviewing future plans, developing regulatory frameworks and strengthening the
country's energy diplomacy.
He said private sector involvement should extend to
policymaking and decision-making, adding that cooperation among different
sectors was essential to advancing Iran's interests in energy diplomacy.
Ministry Welcomes Productive Energy Projects
Bovard invited private companies to submit practical
proposals for managing energy consumption, saying businesses could contribute
by developing and supporting innovative software and solutions.
He added that the ministry would welcome proposals for the
direct use of natural gas from the national network in productive and
economically viable projects.
Industries should also plan their operations in ways that
help reduce fuel consumption, he said, stressing that maintaining the country's
energy security required cooperation across all sectors.
Bovard noted that current conditions were not normal and
that energy challenges could no longer be addressed through conventional
approaches. He called for coordinated efforts to manage consumption, increase
fuel reserves and ensure stable energy supplies.
Efforts Under Way to Restore Lost Gas Capacity
The acting minister said the Petroleum Ministry was working
around the clock to restore lost natural gas production capacity and return
output to previous levels as quickly as possible.
He stressed that recovering the lost capacity would require
the cooperation of government agencies, industries and private sector
companies, in addition to measures already being pursued by the ministry.
Bovard also called for a review of previous
energy-management decisions and greater use of available capacities to reduce
consumption. He said several programmes were under way to manage demand and
maintain adequate fuel storage ahead of the winter season.
He urged major industrial consumers, particularly
steelmakers and other energy-intensive industries, to take part in
energy-saving programmes and use their capacities to reduce consumption.
The meeting addressed the importance of ensuring stable
natural gas supplies during the cold season, challenges facing the energy
sector and their potential impact on economic and industrial activity.
It was attended by Bovard, National Iranian Gas Company
Managing Director Saeed Tavakoli, National Iranian Oil Products Refining and
Distribution Company Managing Director Mohammad Sadegh Azimifar, and senior
officials of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce.