Speaking during a local administrative council meeting in Mahshahr on
Thursday evening, Abbaszadeh emphasized the strategic significance of Mahshahr,
which hosts 27% of Iran's petrochemical production capacity. "This region
holds exceptional importance, as one-third of Iran's petrochemical industry is
concentrated here," he stated.
Abbaszadeh highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of
shutting down the flares, made possible through collaboration with the National
Iranian Oil Company (NIOC). The initiative aligns with Iran’s broader goals of
optimizing resource utilization and reducing environmental pollution.
He noted that over 30,000 individuals are currently employed in
Mahshahr’s petrochemical sector, underscoring the job-creating potential of
downstream industries. "We must not overlook the employment opportunities
offered by downstream petrochemical industries and should focus on establishing
the necessary infrastructure for their expansion," he added.
Abbaszadeh also pointed out that $80 billion has been invested in
Iran’s petrochemical industry, with $30 billion of that allocated to Mahshahr.
The region has also seen significant environmental efforts, including the
development of 1,300 hectares of green space and the planting of over 9 million
mangrove saplings in recent years.
The move to shut down the associated gas flares represents a key step
in boosting feedstock availability, supporting Iran's ambitions for growth in
the petrochemical sector.