The sector, long positioned as a driver of value-added production,
regional development and exports, is entering a new phase marked by efforts to
balance expansion with efficiency gains, project completion and supply chain
integration, according to the report.
79 complexes exceed 100 mln tonnes capacity
Iran’s installed petrochemical capacity has surpassed 100 million
tonnes annually with the commissioning of 79 production complexes. Three
utility complexes are also operational, providing supporting services to
manufacturing units.
The southern hub of Asaluyeh remains the country’s largest petrochemical
center, hosting 28 complexes with a combined capacity of 48.4 million tonnes
per year. The concentration reflects direct access to feedstock from the South
Pars gas field and sustained investment in the Pars Special Economic Energy
Zone.
The Mahshahr region ranks second, with 21 complexes and annual
capacity of 25.8 million tonnes. An additional 30 complexes across other
provinces account for 25.6 million tonnes, indicating gradual geographic
diversification aimed at boosting employment and regional industrialization.
New development zones
Authorities have designated five emerging petrochemical zones to
support future growth. The Makran coastal region, spanning roughly 1,200
hectares, has received nine project permits, with five developments currently
underway.
The Parsian energy-intensive zone, covering 1,000 hectares, has
secured 12 permits and two active projects. Other targeted areas include Jask, Qeshm,
and a second development phase in Mahshahr.
Completed projects
Several projects have been finalized under the current administration,
including new polystyrene, polypropylene and methanol units, an NGL facility in
Dehloran, and a 183-megawatt power plant in Makran. Some facilities have
already entered formal operation.
Expansion plans
Alongside completed projects, dozens of developments remain in
progress. The report said 61 projects with combined capacity of 32.1 million
tonnes and investment of $24.3 billion are included in Iran’s Seventh
Development Plan. A further 46 projects, representing 51.3 million tonnes of
additional capacity and requiring an estimated $44 billion, have been outlined
for the Eighth Plan.
Industry observers say the challenge for Iran’s petrochemical sector
will be ensuring that capacity growth is matched by feedstock security, market
access and downstream integration to maximize economic returns.