A senior IRGC official has criticized fuel shortages in Iran’s power plants, calling it "disgraceful" despite the country’s vast energy resources.

"We are the world's top country in energy, and we rank second in gas reserves. Yet, we cannot solve the energy problem," said Ali Fadavi, deputy commander of the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC).

Iran is grappling with significant natural gas shortages this winter. President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration prioritized reducing reliance on mazut, a high-sulfur fuel oil, at major power plants due to its environmental and health risks, worsening the shortages. To manage the crisis, the government has introduced planned blackouts across several provinces.