Speaking at the
Third Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Summit, Abbaszadeh highlighted Iran’s
petrochemical production capacity, which has reached approximately 100 million
tonnes per year. He added that with 67 new projects underway, production is
expected to rise to 131 million tonnes by 2029.
"Iran’s
petrochemical industry, alongside its oil, gas, and refining sectors, has
witnessed significant growth," Abbaszadeh said. "The Ministry of
Petroleum operates through four major companies: the National Iranian Oil
Company, the National Iranian Gas Company, the National Petrochemical Company,
and the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company, each with
defined responsibilities."
Currently, 73
petrochemical complexes and three utility plants are active across Iran, with
major hubs located in Asaluyeh and Mahshahr, he noted.
According to
Abbaszadeh, Iran's petrochemical sector has a nominal capacity of 97 million
tonnes annually, with surplus products supplied to global markets. Of 42
million tonnes of marketable products, nearly 30 million tonnes were exported
last year.
Iran’s
petrochemical output includes 9 million tonnes of polymers, 4 million tonnes of
aromatics, 9 million tonnes of fertilizers, and 43 million tonnes of basic
chemicals. Around 14 million tonnes of methanol are produced annually, of which
10 million tonnes are exported.
Abbaszadeh said
Iran’s feedstock and fuel capacity stands at about 30 million tonnes, primarily
consumed domestically, with some volumes exported.
The NPC chief
outlined the industry's development plans, noting that 67 major projects, with
an average physical progress of 40%, are underway, requiring $26 billion in
investment—half of which has already been spent. These projects aim to boost
production capacity to 131 million tonnes by 2029.
Highlighting the
outlook to 2034, Abbaszadeh said the fastest growth would be in polymer
production, expanding from 9 million to 32 million tonnes, driven by
value-added initiatives.
"Significant
growth phases are planned for 2025, 2029, and 2034, focusing on enhancing the
value chain and increasing the share of final products," he said.
Regarding
exports, Abbaszadeh said about 70% of Iran’s petrochemical production is
exported, generating approximately $2.8 billion from polymer exports, $2.2
billion from methanol, and $1.7 billion from urea exports last year. Other key
export products include polyethylene, aromatics, and ammonia.
In the panel’s
concluding remarks, Abbaszadeh emphasized the efforts to introduce Iran’s
production and export capacities to African representatives. He highlighted the
Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (PGPIC) as a key player due to
its diverse product portfolio, and its subsidiary, Persian Gulf Trade and
Industry Company, as a potential partner in international petrochemical trade.
He also pointed
to the Parsian Oil and Gas Development Group's focus on urea fertilizer
production and its potential for cooperation with African countries.
Abbaszadeh
concluded by noting Iran’s significant methanol production capacity and
highlighted remarks from Dr. Didari, CEO of Iran’s largest methanol producer,
outlining opportunities for expanded collaboration in methanol and downstream
industries.