This article was originally published by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and is reprinted with permission.

Iran closed government offices and shifted school classes online on December 16 due to freezing temperatures and a severe gas shortage.

Northern provinces have experienced temperatures plunging to -20°C (-4°F) in recent days, accompanied by widespread gas supply disruptions.

President Masud Pezeshkian called on citizens last week to lower their thermostats by 2 degrees Celsius to conserve energy.

Other government officials have made similar pleas online.

Despite sitting on the world’s second-largest proven gas reserves, Iran’s aging infrastructure has struggled to meet increasing demand during winter.