An Iranian MP has criticized the Energy Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian’s handling of the ongoing energy crisis as national blackouts continue to affect the country in the harshest winter months.

“The energy crisis in the power sector stems from poor management and misguided policies by the energy ministry. During Ali Akbari’s tenure, instead of addressing infrastructural issues, we have witnessed mismanagement in power plants and blackouts, which has worsened the situation and deepened the energy crisis in the country,” Ali Haddadi, a member of the parliamentary committee on industries and mines, said in an interview with Student News Network (SNN).

“Unfortunately, instead of taking responsibility and being accountable, officials blame others for the problems. This irresponsible approach has caused significant delays in many power plant projects and insufficient investment in the energy sector,” Haddadi added.

He warned that as long as mismanagement continues, the energy crisis will remain unresolved, adding that the public has the right to demand transparency and accountability from the energy ministry.

Half of Iran’s industrial parks have ceased operations due to power outages, according to the employers' representative in the Supreme Labor Council, as the electricity cuts further hamper the economy.

There has also been a widespread closures of schools, universities, and government offices in the country as the government struggles to curb energy consumption amid a worsening winter crisis.