Speaking to NIPNA, Mahlaqah described the policy as a “vital artery”
for production. “Credit sales have significantly boosted output across the
petrochemical value chain,” he stated. However, he warned that the existing
purchase caps imposed on raw materials at the Iran Mercantile Exchange (IME)
present serious challenges to companies attempting to procure feedstock in
accordance with actual production needs.
Granule Morvarid Yazd, established in 2002, initially focused on the
domestic market. Over the last seven years, however, the company has shifted
toward international markets, now exporting $14–20 million worth of goods
annually to 6–7 European countries and 7–8 regional neighbors. Due to export
restrictions, shipments to Europe are routed via the company’s offices in
Turkey and the UAE.
Mahlaqah cited high transaction costs and logistical hurdles—stemming
from lack of access to SWIFT and complications in altering shipping
documentation for European destinations—as major obstacles. “These
inefficiencies divert a significant portion of export profits to intermediaries
in Turkey and Dubai,” he added.
On the import side, Mahlaqah highlighted the industry’s dependence on
foreign additives. “Delays in foreign exchange allocation or customs clearance
have a direct impact on product quality and global competitiveness,” he noted.
Despite these challenges, Mahlaqah acknowledged improvements in
domestic feedstock supply, crediting recent policy initiatives with
strengthening working capital flow. “Weekly credit sales by petrochemical
companies have become a consistent support mechanism,” he said, pointing out
continuity in these measures across successive management periods at the
National Petrochemical Company (NPC).
He called for the removal of the IME’s purchase ceilings, arguing that
such restrictions fuel market speculation. “When legitimate manufacturers can’t
purchase directly due to quota limits, they’re forced to turn to
brokers—raising costs and distorting the market,” Mahlaqah said. “Eliminating
these ceilings would allow producers to meet their actual needs and curb
arbitrage.”