Hassan Abbaszadeh, Deputy Petroleum Minister and NPC CEO, confirmed
that while initial approval has been granted, the project’s finalization
depends on meeting critical benchmarks. “The project must align with regional
conditions, ensure feedstock availability, and adhere to environmental
standards,” he said during his visit to southern Ilam’s petrochemical
facilities.
The Darreh Shahr project, previously delayed due to land allocation challenges,
has now cleared most obstacles, according to Abbaszadeh.
He noted that the proposed plant would utilize inter-plant feedstock
and avoid strain on local resources. "Investors must swiftly submit the
economic and technical feasibility report to expedite the approval
process," he added.
Local Authorities Back Development
Assadollah Cheraghi, a member of Iran’s parliament representing the region,
stressed that the project reflects longstanding demands from local residents.
"The necessary infrastructure, including water, power, and gas, is in
place, and land allocation has been finalized," he said.
Cheraghi praised the NPC for issuing preliminary permits and urged the
Ministry of Petroleum to prioritize the project for its potential to stimulate
economic growth and create jobs in the area.
Strategic Site with Employment Potential
Hossein Taheri, Governor of Darreh Shahr, emphasized that the
82,000-square-meter site is strategically located near key infrastructure,
including the Simareh River for water supply and transportation routes
connecting neighboring provinces. “This project could significantly reduce
unemployment among local youth,” Taheri said, reaffirming his administration’s
readiness to provide necessary support.
High-Profile Delegation Visit
Abbaszadeh’s inspection of the Darreh Shahr and Dehloran petrochemical
facilities was part of a broader tour to assess ongoing and planned projects in
Ilam. He was accompanied by Cheraghi, Farrokh Alikhani, Director of Oil
Production Supervision at the National Iranian Oil Company, and Marzieh Joda,
Special Advisor to the Petroleum Minister for Petrochemical Affairs.
The NPC’s commitment to advancing the Darreh Shahr project comes amid
heightened efforts to boost Iran’s petrochemical output and enhance regional economic
resilience.