On September 18, 2023, members of the Special Commission for Production Support and Oversight of the Implementation of the General Policies of Article 44 of the Constitution visited the Shiraz Petrochemical Complex. This visit aimed to examine the problems and challenges of the complex and emphasize the necessity of sustainable feedstock supply, equipment modernization, and the development of downstream industries.
Review of Capacities and Challenges
At the beginning of their visit, the members of the commission toured various sections of the Shiraz Petrochemical Complex and its production and operational units, gaining firsthand insight into the activities, capacities, and challenges of this facility. In this meeting, attended by senior managers of Shiraz Petrochemical and guests, a comprehensive report on the status of the complex and the reconstruction process of the damaged unit was presented.
Read more: Fluctuations in Crude Oil Prices Due to Houthi Attacks on Saudi Oil Supply
Engineer Pourkia, CEO of Shiraz Petrochemical, emphasized the importance of reconstructing the damaged unit as a significant national project, highlighting the capabilities of Iranian specialists and stating: "This project is progressing according to the scheduled timeline and relying on the knowledge and expertise of domestic forces."
The Necessity of Supporting Petrochemical Industries
Mohsen Zangeneh, Chairman of the Special Commission for Production Support, referred to the immense capacities of the country's petrochemical industry in this meeting, stating: "The petrochemical industry represents a tremendous capacity for Iran. We must commend all the employees working in this field." He emphasized the need for comprehensive support for Shiraz Petrochemical as one of the pillars of the country's petrochemical industry.
Jafar Qadri, another member of the commission, described Shiraz Petrochemical as "the first petrochemical in the Middle East" and stated: "The growth and development of the country depend on the petrochemical industry; therefore, we must invest in downstream sectors and the value chains of oil, gas, and petrochemicals." He also emphasized the necessity of developing the value chain as the key to maximizing the productivity of this industry.
Zeynab Ghaesari, another member of the commission, identified feedstock supply as one of the critical issues facing this industry and announced that the issue of feedstock and its pricing for petrochemicals is currently being pursued in the parliament. Ghaesari also highlighted the role of domestic experts and the efforts made to localize the petrochemical industry.
Support for Development Projects
Esfandiar Abdollahi, representative of the people of Marvdasht in the parliament, while appreciating the management and efforts of the employees of Shiraz Petrochemical, evaluated the process of reconstruction and equipment modernization positively. He noted that the vast capacities of the lands owned by this complex present a valuable opportunity for increasing production and sustainable job creation in the region.
The extensive presence of officials and representatives of holding companies and provincial authorities during this visit underscores the strategic importance of Shiraz Petrochemical. The attending guests expressed their gratitude for the efforts and dedication of the specialists and employees of Shiraz Petrochemical, considering this project "important and strategic" for the country. They emphasized the necessity of comprehensive support for the continuation of this path and pointed out the characteristics of self-belief and unity among the employees of this complex.
The visit of the members of the Special Commission for Article 44 to Shiraz Petrochemical carried a clear message: This complex, with its glorious history as the first petrochemical in the Middle East, is today advancing the reconstruction of the damaged unit according to plan, relying on the capabilities of domestic specialists, and is ready to play a central role in the development of downstream industries and the value chain of the country's oil and gas. Sustainable feedstock supply, equipment modernization, and directing the revenues of this industry towards investment were the three main focal points emphasized during this visit, which can pave the way for a brighter future for the petrochemical industry and the national economy.
Read more: Increase in Gas Receipt in the Northwest Pipeline and Decrease in Gas Prices in Soumas · Analysis of the Challenges of Industrial Development in Iran at the Development Research Center Meeting
