TEHRAN — In response to severe energy shortages, malls and shopping centres in Tehran will now close two hours earlier, at 8:00pm, starting today. The decision, announced by the Tehran Chamber of Trade Unions and Guilds, aims to conserve electricity and gas amidst ongoing power cuts and a nationwide fuel crisis.

This follows frequent school and business closures in recent weeks, as the country grapples with power rationing. The government has warned that non-compliant malls will face gas and electricity cuts. The exact duration of the measure remains unclear.

Iran, despite holding some of the world's largest natural gas reserves, has struggled to meet its energy demands, worsened by sub-zero temperatures. President Masoud Pezeshkian recently urged citizens to reduce energy consumption, suggesting they rely less on heaters and dress warmly instead.