The agreements were signed between the petrochemical holdings and
Iranian exploration and production companies. The signing ceremony, attended by
Javad Owji, the Minister of Petroleum, Morteza Shahmirzaei, the CEO of the National
Petrochemical Company (NPC), Mohsen Khojastehmehr, the CEO of the National
Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), and several industry executives, marked a
significant milestone in Iran's energy sector.
The total value of the agreements signed today is estimated at $6.4
billion. Upon implementation, these projects are expected to enhance Iran's gas
production capacity, meeting the feedstock demands of the petrochemical
industry.
NIOC has engaged in extensive negotiations with Iranian petrochemical
holdings and exploration and production companies to develop the country's gas
fields.
Consequently, agreements to study the development of 16 gas fields in
southern and southwestern Iran and the Persian Gulf were signed with
petrochemical holdings, petrochemical companies, and Iranian exploration and
production firms.
Under these agreements, studies on the development of gas fields such
as Zireh, Kharatonag, and Dargh with the aim of increasing gas production by 24
million cubic meters and an investment of $1 billion were entrusted to Petro
Kaaveh Afagh Company.
Studies on the development of gas fields such as Sefid Zakhour, Sefid
Baghoon, and Halgan, in cooperation with the Parsian Oil and Gas Development
Group and Petro Pars Company, were also contracted.
Expected investments for the development of these fields amount to
$800 million, which will ultimately add 27 million cubic meters to Iran's gas
production capacity.
Moreover, studies on the development of gas reservoirs such as Zilaei,
Karoon, and Shohadaye, in collaboration with Masjed Soleiman Petrochemical
Company and PetroIran Development Company, were signed.
Additionally, agreements were reached for the development studies of
Ahwaz and Maroon gas fields and the Kangan pressure boosting station with the
Novid Zarchimi Investment Company, aiming to increase the country's gas
production capacity by 7.7 million cubic meters, with an expected investment of
$950 million.
The signing of these agreements signifies a strategic move towards
enhancing Iran's gas production capacity to meet domestic demands and boost gas
exports, playing a crucial role in the sustainable growth of the petrochemical
industry.
With the completion of the studies and the implementation of these
agreements, it is anticipated that around 25,000 direct and indirect job
opportunities will be created, particularly in the regions where these projects
are executed.
Moreover, as part of the social responsibility initiatives of the
National Iranian Oil Company, one percent of the investment volume is allocated
to social development projects, especially in oil-rich regions.
These agreements mark a significant shift as petrochemical holdings
and companies, for the first time, engage in upstream activities to secure the
required feedstock for their operations, maximizing the utilization of
accumulated capital and contributing to the nation's prosperity.