Iran’s petrochemical sector is clawing back capacity after wartime damage, but a bitter winter of gas shortages looms. Omid Shakeri, CEO of the National Petrochemical Company, told reporters Monday that roughly 60% of damaged production capacity at Assaluyeh and Mahshahr has returned to service. Repairs cover both utility systems and specialized process units, with teams racing to restore most capacity by year-end.
Yet the outlook remains punishing. Shakeri warned that gas imbalances and a 230 million cubic meter cut in refining capacity make this year harder than previous ones. Household heating demand has repeatedly forced unwanted restrictions on plants, and he urged the public to help manage consumption.
On exports, Shakeri rejected concerns over currency repatriation. He said all petrochemical sales fall under Central Bank oversight, with companies returning more than 90% of earned foreign currency after allowed deductions. Unlike oil, firms sell directly and bring the money home themselves.
Despite sanctions and war-related pressure, he insisted the industry remains stable and is serving on the “front line” of Iran’s economic battle—an argument aimed as much at policymakers as at the market. The company says rebuilding continues at both sites, and further recovery depends on stable energy supplies in coming months.
