The oil, gas, and petrochemical industry in Iran is a cornerstone of the country’s economy, playing a crucial role in generating foreign exchange revenues and driving economic growth. With the world’s second-largest natural gas reserves and fourth-largest crude oil reserves, Iran possesses significant competitive advantages in this sector.
These vast resources have enabled the development of downstream industries, particularly petrochemicals, which offer higher added value compared to crude exports. On the export front, oil products, natural gas, and petrochemical derivatives make up a substantial portion of Iran’s non-oil exports. Key markets include China, India, Turkey, and neighboring countries.
Moreover, Iran’s geopolitical location—adjacent to the Persian Gulf and along key East-West energy corridors—provides a strategic edge. Despite facing sanctions and technological constraints, Iran maintains relative advantages such as access to cheap feedstock, a skilled workforce, and proximity to regional consumer markets, making this industry one of the most dynamic and strategic sectors of the Iranian economy