Petrochemical base chemicals—such as ethylene, propylene, methanol, ammonia, benzene, toluene, and xylene—serve as the foundation for the production of intermediate and end-use products across various chemical industries.

These base chemicals are produced using advanced processes such as natural gas or naphtha cracking and chemical synthesis in Iran’s large-scale petrochemical complexes. Key feedstocks include natural gas, ethane, naphtha, and gas condensates.

The production of base chemicals plays a vital role in expanding downstream value chains, boosting industrial diversification, generating employment, and enhancing the economic return from hydrocarbon resources.

Iran is a major exporter of base chemicals like methanol, ammonia, and ethylene, supplying markets in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Due to their broad industrial applications, these products enjoy consistently high demand in global markets.

Iran’s competitive advantages in this sector include abundant access to cheap natural gas feedstock, low energy costs, high production capacity, and a strategic geographic location near key international markets—making it a strong competitor in the global petrochemical base chemical trade.