The status of Iran's oil sales has become a serious challenge due to complex global and domestic conditions, especially with increasing competition from rivals such as Russia and Saudi Arabia. Estimates show that about 70 million barrels of Iran's oil are currently on the water, an asset that could be converted into foreign currency income for the country. Meanwhile, countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia are strategically seeking to capture Iran's share of the global market.
Structural Challenges in the Oil Sales Model
The return of some old managers and changes in the structure of the Niko Oil Company have created further ambiguities in the oil sales process. In particular, reports indicate that the new oil sales team emphasizes focusing sales in the hands of a few specific traders. This issue could lead to missed golden opportunities for oil sales.
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This situation indicates that the challenges go beyond the performance of a specific team and that the overall model of Iran's oil sales requires fundamental revision. Currently, direct relationships with refineries, especially in the strategic market of China, have not been prioritized. Meanwhile, intermediaries still play a significant role in Iran's oil trade.
Need for Structural Reforms in Oil Sales
In the oil industry, there are capable forces that can sell the oil currently on the water. However, in recent years, this capacity has not been properly utilized. Fundamental questions arise in this regard; does the prevailing mindset in the sales structure prevent these forces from being utilized, or do external pressures and interests outside the oil industry hinder the reform of this path?
The continuation of intermediary-based oil sales not only harms the country's economy but also reduces productivity and efficiency in the oil industry. In fact, direct sales to refineries and establishing sustainable relationships in this area should be prioritized. Given the current conditions, there is a need for a serious revision of oil sales strategies.
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