Saeed Baghabani, NPC’s production control director, said around 32
million tons of petrochemical products have been produced so far this year,
generating $5.5 billion in foreign exchange revenue. He added that six of the
19 projects planned for this year have already been completed, pushing the
sector’s potential production capacity above 100 million tons.
Baghabani noted that approximately 22 million tons of installed
capacity remained unused in 2024, with around 70% of the shortfall attributed
to feedstock shortages. “If feedstock supply issues are resolved, the industry
can utilize a significant portion of idle capacity,” he said, adding that
equipment and process reliability also play a key role.
To secure a stable feedstock supply, NPC is participating in upstream
field development, collecting flare gas, and optimizing fuel use. Contracts
have been signed with Bakhtar Petrochemical and PetroFarhang for upstream
projects, and flare gas collection initiatives are already underway. For
example, the Bidboland Persian Gulf Gas Refining Company collected 94 million
cubic feet per day in its first phase.
The NPC has also promoted energy-saving measures, including a
nationwide campaign to reduce energy consumption by 10%, which has helped some
petrochemical plants improve efficiency and increase output. Special bonds are
available for companies that invest in such initiatives, helping secure
feedstock during periods of shortage.
Baghabani highlighted that, while gas is supplied to the public at low
prices without consumption regulation, petrochemical companies receive the
highest fuel allocations. Corrective measures in energy use can allow them to
secure gas at lower costs. NPC is also negotiating adjustments to gas supply
arrangements for the winter season to address potential shortages and maintain
stable production.