Saeed Baghbani, NPC’s Director of Production Control, said during a
panel discussion on "Petrochemical Industry Regulation" held at
Sharif University of Technology that plans are underway to form an independent
sector-specific regulator for the industry.
“In the past, under the broader energy regulatory framework, the
petrochemical sector was merely seen as part of a larger structure,” Baghbani
said. “Now, a distinct regulatory framework tailored to the specific needs of
this industry is being formulated and reviewed.”
He emphasized the dual structure of governance in the sector,
distinguishing between macro-level policymaking and operational management,
adding that a regulator acts as the critical intermediary ensuring transparency
and legal compliance in the execution of state policies.
Baghbani also highlighted the distinction between regulation and
facilitation, noting that while facilitation is advisory and voluntary,
regulation is rooted in legal mandates, binding requirements, and enforceable
guarantees.
The proposed regulatory body would function similarly to Iran’s
Competition Council, tasked with drafting rules and regulations aligned with
national petrochemical policies. According to Baghbani, discussions at NPC’s
latest internal meeting have reaffirmed the necessity of an exclusive regulator
focused solely on the petrochemical industry.
He warned, however, that the success of the initiative hinges on the
expertise of the regulatory council’s members. “Without a technically
proficient and knowledgeable team, regulatory decisions could become a source
of challenges for the industry,” he said, calling for the inclusion of seasoned
experts in the proposed council.