Speaking at a meeting
with the CEO and senior managers of the National Petrochemical Company (NPC),
Paknejad emphasized the critical need to bolster the regulatory role of the NPC
within the sector.
He paid tribute to the
martyrs of the oil industry who sacrificed their lives defending Iran.
The official further highlighted
the industry's operational resilience, and stated that frontline workers
demonstrated exceptional commitment, ensuring that oil exports never ceased,
even during the intense periods of the conflict.
Paknejad specifically
mentioned the critical role played by personnel on Kharg Island, a vital oil
export terminal, in maintaining uninterrupted shipments.
The minister also pointed
to the successful management of fuel and gas supply disruptions that targeted
storage facilities in Tehran and Alborz provinces.
He credited the swift
response of employees from the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution
Company (NIORDC) and the National Gas Company for containing the crisis within
48 hours, preventing any public concern over fuel shortages.
President Masoud
Pezeshkian reportedly expressed his gratitude for the industry's continuous
efforts.
Paknejad stressed that
the NPC's regulatory function is "decisive" and must be strengthened
to oversee petrochemical processes and facilitate the rapid recommissioning of
damaged units.
He urged the industry to
transcend existing limitations and operate beyond current capacities, aligning
with the national call for "Resilient Economy with National Unity and
Security."
He also underscored the
importance of optimal resource allocation for reconstruction efforts and
encouraged synergy between the various subsidiaries of the oil ministry.
Hassan Abbaszadeh, CEO of
the NPC, thanked the minister for the gathering, describing it as productive
and a source of encouragement. He confirmed that reconstruction plans and
auxiliary services for petrochemical complexes are underway, with a focus on improving
production performance in coordination with NIORDC and the National Iranian Gas
Company. Abbaszadeh noted the formation of specialized groups to assess damages
and expedite the operationalization of less affected units.
Iran possesses the
world's second-largest natural gas reserves and fourth-largest oil reserves,
providing a strong foundation for its petrochemical sector. The National
Petrochemical Company (NPC), established in 1964, has historically played a
central role in developing and managing this industry. However, the sector has
faced significant challenges due to international sanctions, which have
impacted access to technology, spare parts, and export markets.
The call to strengthen
the NPC's regulatory role suggests a desire to centralize oversight, streamline
decision-making, and potentially enhance the company's ability to coordinate
recovery and development efforts across a fragmented industry. This comes at a
time when Iran is seeking to maximize its oil and gas revenues and diversify
its economy, making the petrochemical sector a crucial component of its
economic strategy. The emphasis on resilience and operating beyond limitations
reflects the need for innovative solutions to maintain and grow production.