Speaking at the second Progress Narrative
Exhibition in Mashhad on Friday evening (February 9th), Owji presented a report
on the performance of the Ministry of Oil in the thirteenth government, noting
significant advancements in the oil industry since the Islamic Revolution. He stated,
"In the thirteenth government, activities in the oil industry have gained
significant momentum."
Owji continued, "Prior to the revolution,
the oil industry was entirely dependent and all its operations were in the
hands of foreign experts, who controlled production and exports as they
wished."
The Oil Minister emphasized that before the
Islamic Revolution, there was only one petrochemical plant in the country,
adding, "In essence, the oil industry before the revolution was solely
focused on crude production and exports."
Supplying $14 billion worth of petrochemical
products in the NIMA system
Owji declared, "Today, thanks to the efforts
of the specialists in this industry, we witness the production of over one
billion cubic meters of gas in 23 gas refineries," further stating,
"Currently, 10 oil refineries and more than 70 petrochemical complexes are
operational in the country, with $14 billion worth of petrochemical products
being supplied through the NIMA system last year."
The Oil Minister announced that the country's gas
production now exceeds its consumption, with the majority of the gas being
utilized in industries, power plants, and petrochemical complexes, adding value
to the economy.
Self-sufficiency in the production of
petrochemical catalysts
Highlighting the importance of petrochemical
complexes as crucial centers for high-tech industries in the country, Owji
stated, "Today, all grades and products of petrochemicals are produced in
70 complexes across the country, with 92 out of 95 required catalysts for the
petrochemical and refining industry being domestically produced."
Owji emphasized, "In addition to
self-sufficiency in the oil industry, technical and engineering services are
also being exported from the country," noting, "Reconstruction and
renovation have commenced in only one refinery in Venezuela with the entry of
Iranian specialists."
He underscored, "Nowhere else in the world
are there sanctions like those on Iran, yet Iran's oil industry has achieved
self-sufficiency despite these sanctions."
The Oil Minister also mentioned that during the
thirteenth government's tenure, daily oil production has increased by 50
million cubic meters, and significant progress has been made in completing 132
semi-finished oil projects worth $28 billion.
Owji concluded by stating that the value of these
50 new and important oil projects is $48 billion, noting, "One of these
projects is the development of Phase 11 of the South Pars joint gas field,
which had been delayed for 20 years under various contracts with companies such
as Total, Shell, CNPC, and Petronas."
With the implementation of these plans, in
addition to adding value and creating employment, foreign currency revenues
will also be generated, contributing to the country's energy balance.