Iran shuts power plants over fuel shortages

Tehran: Iran has suspended operations at several power plants over fuel shortages that have been intensified by rising demand during a spell of freezi...

Tehran: Iran has suspended operations at several power plants over fuel shortages that have been intensified by rising demand during a spell of freezing weather.

The country is an energy giant and holds one of the world's largest reserves of natural gas, but it has been forced to ration electricity in recent weeks and close schools and government buildings.

President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has been advocating for reduced fuel consumption, apologised to the nation on Monday for the shortages and promised they would be resolved by next year.

The western Lorestan province was the latest to take action, partially closing a gas-powered plant on Monday because of "increased consumption of gas among household consumers", according to IRNA state news agency.

It followed a move on Sunday by the northern province of Golestan to close plants and ration electricity, according to local media.