Iran is facing a severe energy crisis that has shut down half of its industrial parks and caused nationwide power outages.
In an interview with Revolutionary Guards-affiliated Tasnim on Saturday, Ali-Asghar Ahaniha, a representative of employers in Iran’s Supreme Labor Council said several power plants in Iran are offline and some industries have shut down due to energy shortages.
“We faced power issues in the summer, and now in winter, we are dealing with both electricity and gas shortages,” Ahaniha said.
Employers also report significant losses due to power outages. Damages are estimated in the hundreds of billions of rials. Daily gas shortages of 260 million cubic meters and electricity cuts have forced closures of factories and businesses. The poultry industry, among others, has suffered, with warnings that Iran may have to import eggs due to power-related losses.
The Iranian rial has plummeted in value, now trading at around 820,000 rials to the dollar, with inflation and rising prices further straining households.
Reports indicate that the ongoing crisis is due to years of underinvestment, sanctions, and inefficient energy use, which have left Iran unable to meet seasonal energy demands. According to a New York Times report, another factor contributing to Iran’s energy crisis is Israel’s pair of attacks on major gas pipelines in February.
The attacks reportedly disrupted gas supplies to millions across Iran, leading to widespread outages in five provinces.
The ongoing crisis prompted protests in Tehran province and other areas, with residents frustrated over the blackouts and economic difficulties.
BREAKING:
Protests started breaking out in Iran today against the Islamic regime for its economic mismanagement.
Retailers, shopkeepers, and business owners in Tehran have gone on strike to protest against worsening hyperinflation.
Via @ShayanX0 pic.twitter.com/b65Zm597ff
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) December 30, 2024
