The oil industry, as a strategic asset of the country, serves as a
robust support for the national economy and a powerful tool for achieving
sustainable development. Realizing this role hinges on developing the value
chain based on activating downstream industries reliant on petrochemicals. The
development of these industries creates added value, generates foreign
exchange, provides employment, reduces poverty, and completes the supply chain
of various industries.
Given the challenges faced by the country in recent years, such as the
need for job creation, fluctuations in oil prices, and especially the unjust
sanctions against Iran, greater attention must be paid to the production and
conversion of petrochemical products, particularly the development of
downstream oil and complementary industries that have high added value.
Despite these challenges, the petrochemical industry's development has
not only continued but has also adapted to the domestic market needs and global
trends. The 13th administration has notably focused on completing semi-finished
projects and expanding the value chain to achieve a production leap.
Upon the commencement of the 13th administration in 2021, 50
petrochemical projects were active in the country. After three years, 127
projects are currently underway: 22 in Mahshahr, 24 in Assaluyeh, 53 in other
regions, 13 in Kangan, Deyr, and Siraf, 4 in Makran, and 11 in Parsian Energy
Intensive Region.
Overview of Key Projects
(2021-2024)
2021
- Petrokimia Ibn Sina Maleic Anhydride Plant: Commissioned in February
2021, this project prevents the raw sale of butane by processing 80,000 tons
annually in the Mahshahr Special Economic Petrochemical Zone.
2022
- De Aria Polymer Plant in Khomein: Launched in summer 2022, this
plant produces 175,000 tons annually, covering 17% of the country's
polypropylene needs.
- Parsian Sepehr Refinery's PDH/PP Project: Initiated in September
2022, this project aims to produce 450,000 tons of propylene annually.
- Various Downstream Projects: Four projects focused on
knowledge-based and resilient economy were inaugurated in the Mahshahr Special
Economic Petrochemical Zone.
- Petroalfen Technology Plant: Construction started in fall 2022 to
produce various polyethylene and polypropylene products.
2023
- Gas to Products Plant (GTX): Initiated in late 2022 in Chabahar,
this project focuses on producing value-added downstream methanol products.
- Pars Glycol Plant: Opened in March 2023, producing over 550,000 tons
of ethylene glycol annually.
- Hozeh Gas Refinery Phase One: Commissioned in May 2023 with a daily
capacity of 250 million cubic feet of associated gas.
2024
- Completion of Nine Projects: Including Arta Energy, Aryan Methanol,
Hengam Petrochemical, and others, with a total investment of $1.2 billion set
for completion and operationalization.
These developments underscore the administration 's commitment to
advancing the petrochemical sector, boosting production, and enhancing export
capabilities.