Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of 17 major oil industry
projects on Monday, June 24, 2024, Owji noted the significant achievements
despite initial challenges such as reduced oil production and substantial
budget deficits. The event was attended by Mohammad Mokhber, Acting President,
via video conference.
Owji highlighted the administration's accomplishments, which include:
- Oil Production Increase: From 2.1 million barrels per day (bpd) to
3.6 million bpd.
- Petrochemical Production: Daily production of 13 million tons of
petrochemical products.
- Gas and Refining Capacity: Increased daily gas refining capacity to
53 million cubic meters and oil refining capacity to 270,000 bpd.
Owji also reported on the completion of 155 major projects worth $34
billion, which have enhanced the country's energy sector. The administration
has managed to collect 16 million cubic meters of associated petroleum gas
daily, with plans to increase this to over 30 million cubic meters by year-end.
Additionally, the minister mentioned the significant boost in gasoline
and diesel production, with daily increases of 18 million liters and 9 million
liters, respectively. These advancements have contributed to the oil sector
achieving a 20% economic growth rate, the highest among governmental sectors.
Owji attributed these successes to leveraging domestic capabilities,
increasing the number of knowledge-based Iranian companies from 150 to 700. The
development of Phase 11 of the South Pars gas field, completed by Iranian
workers after 20 years of being managed by various international companies, was
noted as a milestone.
The minister also highlighted the administration's efforts in social
responsibility, with the approval and execution of 6,000 social projects worth
450 trillion rials ($1.07 billion). This contrasts with the previous
administration's 40 trillion rials.
The recent inauguration of 17 major upstream and downstream oil
projects across seven provinces, with an investment of 1.8 quadrillion rials
($4.26 billion), is expected to create 15,000 jobs and generate annual revenues
of 1.2 quadrillion rials ($2.84 billion). These projects will add significant
production capacities, including 10,000 bpd of oil, 7.5 million liters of Euro
4 and 5 diesel, 3 million tons of petrochemical products, and 18 million
barrels of storage capacity.
Owji announced the launch of a 222-kilometer oil product pipeline in
northeastern Iran, with plans to extend this to 622 kilometers by year-end. He
reiterated the commitment to increasing oil production to 4 million bpd and gas
production by 34 million cubic meters, aiming for sustained economic growth in
the oil and gas sector between 15% and 20% in 2024.