Speaking at a meeting with petrochemical associations, Abbaszadeh
emphasized the importance of identifying and resolving issues in the downstream
sector to enhance the overall petrochemical value chain.
The meeting, aimed at fostering collaboration and tackling challenges
in the sector, focused on the need to develop downstream industries.
Abbaszadeh highlighted that the focus is no longer on expanding
upstream petrochemical capacity or building large-scale complexes, but rather
on advancing downstream industries. “Ensuring the supply of feedstock to
downstream industries and implementing projects in the final stages of the
petrochemical chain is critical for reducing imports of essential products,” he
stated.
Abbaszadeh acknowledged the concerns of downstream industries,
particularly regarding feedstock for polypropylene, PET, 2AEH, and PVC
production.
He assured that effective measures are being pursued to address these
concerns, including an increase in PVC production at the Abadan Petrochemical
Complex by the end of this year.
The NPC chairman also emphasized the importance of private sector
involvement in achieving the country’s 8% economic growth target, as urged by
the Supreme Leader.
"The private sector is crucial for achieving this goal due to its
ability to execute projects more rapidly," Abbaszadeh stated.
Addressing concerns about gas feedstock shortages, Abbaszadeh
clarified that the limitations on gas supplies would not affect downstream
industries. He explained that the restrictions apply mainly to methanol, urea,
and ammonia plants, with only 9% of the country’s natural gas being utilized by
the petrochemical sector.
He also noted that 46% of the sweet gas produced in Iran is consumed
by residential and commercial users, while 30% is used by power plants with low
efficiency.
To mitigate the impact of gas consumption increases during the colder
months, Abbaszadeh outlined efforts to conserve gas usage, including eight
gas-saving projects being implemented by the petrochemical industry.
One of these initiatives involves the Zagros Petrochemical Company
investing approximately 2,000 billion rials in optimization measures, with
negotiations already underway with the Ministry of Petroleum for a memorandum
of understanding.
Abbaszadeh also highlighted ongoing projects focused on optimizing gas
consumption in poultry farms in northern Iran and greenhouse projects in Gilan
and Mazandaran provinces. These initiatives are part of the broader effort to
optimize energy use across the petrochemical sector.
In terms of export strategy, Abbaszadeh stressed the need for
value-added exports, urging that raw polymers should not be exported without
further processing. “We must create facilities within the polymer industry that
allow for the production of various grades to meet market demand,” he said.
Regarding the IranPlast International Exhibition, Abbaszadeh
emphasized that NPC’s goal is not just to showcase products, but to focus on
downstream industries and ensure their role is central to the event. He also
announced the implementation of a national land-use plan focusing on the
downstream petrochemical sector, which will identify and address the specific
challenges of each province.
In conclusion, Abbaszadeh outlined key initiatives discussed during
the meeting, including specialized meetings for each association, long-term
management of petrochemical product pricing in the stock market, and support
for the creation of a fund to support downstream petrochemical industries.
The NPC also plans to establish a polymer industry steering council to
further enhance coordination and resolve issues in the sector.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold follow-up sessions
every three months and to conduct specialized meetings regularly to address and
resolve ongoing challenges.