Speaking on the television program "First Row" to
commemorate the days of Fatimiyya, Morteza Shahmirzai emphasized the
significant role of the petrochemical industry in industrial zones,
highlighting its impact through the production and exportation of final products,
contributing to employment opportunities and utilizing domestically produced
goods.
Shahmirzai commended the expertise of hundreds of Iranian
professionals, drawing from their extensive experience during challenging
periods of imposed war and numerous sanctions.
He underscored the industry's success in leveraging the wisdom of
previous generations to formulate a strategic approach to complete the value
chain in this sector.
"Today, 97% of the needed volume and pricing of petrochemical
catalysts are domestically produced, marking a significant milestone in our
self-sufficiency," stated the NPC CEO.
Pointing out the introduction of three highly effective catalysts last
week at a local catalyst manufacturing center, Shahmirzai emphasized the
continuous confidence-building measures, encouraging domestic entities to rely
entirely on Iranian catalysts.
Highlighting the superior quality of Iranian catalysts, the Deputy Petroleum
Minister cited an instance where Iran's catalysts outperformed their European
counterparts in a country known for their stringent quality standards.
Iran boasts more than 70 active petrochemical complexes, significantly
reducing the annual import of €1.1 billion worth of catalysts, a majority of
which are now domestically produced.
"The petrochemical industry and research centers have long been
dedicated to catalyst research. However, the unwavering support of the
thirteenth administration and the Ministry of Petroleum has brought us to this
pinnacle of self-reliance in domestic production," Shahmirzai affirmed.
Addressing the winter season's challenges in petrochemical feedstock
supply, the CEO emphasized the nation's Islamic system's commitment to
utilizing all divine resources for public welfare. He urged citizens to
judiciously use gas, an invaluable energy resource.
With gas as the primary driver of the country's industrial and
production units, he stressed the importance of energy conservation in
fostering sustainable petrochemical production, contributing to the nation's
economy during the winter.
Regarding the initiatives for collecting associated gases, Shahmirzai
highlighted the recent launch of the Persian Gulf Hoveizeh Refinery, nearing
completion of the NG 3100 project, aimed at refining associated gases from the
Karun region. These gases, once processed, will be injected into the national
gas network, supplying the remaining fuel to petrochemical units.
"The petrochemical industry is at the forefront of collecting
associated and flared gases," Shahmirzai emphasized, noting the concerted
efforts of the National Petrochemical Company and the National Iranian Oil
Company to address a century-old concern in the country.
Elaborating on plans to diversify petrochemical feedstocks, he
mentioned units focusing on liquid feedstock and those aimed at completing the
value chain by using inter-complex feedstocks, highlighting their prominence in
the company's agenda.
"Holdings and petrochemical companies have planned investments in
the upstream oil industry to secure sustainable feedstock for petrochemical
units," the Deputy Minister said, addressing concerns regarding
polyethylene production limitations and its import monopolies.
"We prioritize meeting domestic needs for petrochemical products.
Until our domestic requirements are fulfilled, exports of these products will
be restricted," he confirmed, emphasizing the National Petrochemical
Company's strict stance on product distribution.
The company has initiated operational activities for a plant with a
production capacity exceeding 450,000 tons of PET, addressing the current
shortages and ensuring its availability in the local market.
"Due to shortages, our production units are currently obliged to
import PET in adherence to our company's regulations," he added, noting
the quantities planned for import over the next six months.
Concluding on plans to secure raw materials for downstream
petrochemical companies, Shahmirzai highlighted the comprehensive strategies in
place to construct multiple petrochemical units and bridge the gaps in critical
petrochemical products within the country.
"Currently, petrochemical industry investors are executing
various projects to eliminate shortages in petrochemical products across the
country," he concluded.