Iran ready to become world petrochemical hub
Deputy Oil Minister Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh announced Iran’s readiness to produce at least 10 mm tpy of
ethylene by the end of the second phase of the petrochemical development plan.
At a graduation ceremony for chemical engineers, Nematzadeh said as a basic product, ethylene is known as the growth
index in the global petrochemical industry. Producing ethylene at this rate, Iran will become a petrochemical hub.
He added that by the end of Third Development Plan with the construction of development projects, the rate of
ethylene production will reach to more than 4 to 5 mm tpy and it is anticipated that by end of the second phase of
these petrochemical projects, production will increase to 10 mm tpy.
He pointed out that with the initiation of the construction projects 10th Olefin (Jam petrochemical), 9th Olefin
(Aria Sasul), 6th Olefin (Amir Kabir), and 7th Olefin (Marun Petrochemical), the rate of ethylene production in the
country will indeed continue.
"Iran’s global share of petrochemical production will increase from the current figure of 0.3 % to 0.9 % due to
large-scale investments made in the sector since 1988," he added.
Nematzadeh said that petrochemical exports stood at $ 500 mm in 1997 increasing to $ 1.2 bn last year and will hit $
1.8 bn by the end of the current year.
The official noted despite enjoying abundant oil and gas resources, Iran previously failed to attain its rightful
place in the petrochemical industry. As it stands now petrochemical imports currently accounted for the lion’s
share of total imports to the country.
