Speaking to NIPNA, Shakeri highlighted the significant challenges
faced by the sector, citing energy shortages as a major obstacle.
"In 2024, production units experienced electricity outages for
two days a week on average, and in some months, the outages extended to three
days a week. This situation has led to a reduction in production capacity by an
average of 33 to 50 percent," he said.
Shakeri emphasized that stable feedstock supply, coupled with uninterrupted
gas and electricity, could enable the sector to achieve significant production
growth using existing capacities.
Energy imbalances and insufficient investment in machinery were
identified by Shakeri as critical challenges. He warned that these issues have
led to reduced output, increased production costs, and diminished
competitiveness among manufacturers in the downstream petrochemical sector.
The chairman also underlined the strategic importance of the machinery
manufacturing sector in enhancing the petrochemical value chain, describing
current investment levels in the sector as inadequate.
Shakeri urged the government to reform foreign exchange policies and
provide practical support for domestic production. He further called for the
establishment of strategic councils between petrochemical companies and
industry associations to address the sector's pressing issues.