Saeed Baghbani, NPC’s Production Control Manager, stated that
distribution through the pipeline is proceeding smoothly in response to
requests from petrochemical complexes. He dismissed recent reports questioning
the pipeline's functionality as inaccurate, highlighting adjustments made by
key players like Kavian Petrochemical Company.
“Kavian Petrochemical, despite having an annual production capacity of
2 million tons and the ability to maximize pipeline utilization, has agreed to
focus on supplying ethylene to Bakhtar Holding’s petrochemical complexes. This
decision follows the operational commencement of Gachsaran Petrochemical
Plant,” Baghbani explained.
According to Baghbani, Gachsaran Petrochemical is currently producing
at full feedstock capacity and injecting 55 tons of ethylene per hour into the
West Ethylene Pipeline following the launch of the Siyah Mekan pressure booster
station. Efforts are underway to further increase this transfer rate.
“The key to boosting ethylene supply from Gachsaran lies in securing
contracted consumers or facilitating exports via Bandar Imam Petrochemical
Company. At present, Ilam Petrochemical Company, one of the contracted clients,
is receiving approximately 30 tons of ethylene per hour,” he added.
Baghbani also noted that Tabriz Petrochemical, located at the western
end of the pipeline, is designed to utilize surplus ethylene. “Currently,
Tabriz Petrochemical can handle up to 200,000 tons of ethylene annually.
However, plans are in place to expand this capacity to 300,000 tons, contingent
upon installing a new compressor at the Sanandaj station. We are hopeful that
Tabriz Petrochemical will collaborate to make the necessary upgrades,” he said.
Iran’s petrochemical industry relies heavily on the West Ethylene
Pipeline to connect multiple production hubs, ensuring steady feedstock
supplies for domestic and export markets.