Our refinery was established in the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone (PSEEZ) in Assaluyeh, located on the northern shore of the Persian Gulf in Bushehr province. Taking advantage of this exceptional geographical location and access to vast energy resources, our refinery has become one of the major centers for oil and gas processing in the country. This position has made our refinery an integral part of Iran’s strategic energy supply chain and plays a key role in providing high-quality, standard-compliant oil and gas products for domestic consumption and export markets.
In addition to our advantageous location and historical significance, our refinery’s strength lies in the variety and quality of its refined products, which play a vital role in both domestic supply and exports to global markets. Some of the most important products include:
The history of Iran’s oil industry began in the early 20th century. In 1908, the drilling of Well No. 1 in Masjed Soleyman led to the first oil discovery in the Middle East, making Iran the region’s first oil-producing country and one of the most significant players in the global energy market during the 20th century. Following the discovery, the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC) was founded in 1909, and the Abadan Refinery started operation in 1912, which at the time was the largest refinery in the world. This refinery not only transformed Iran’s economy but also supplied fuel for the British Royal Navy during both World Wars, greatly increasing Iran’s geopolitical importance.
In subsequent decades, exploration activities expanded to other regions of the country, including Ahvaz, Gachsaran, Aghajari, Bibi Hakimeh, and offshore fields in the Persian Gulf. These discoveries led to the development of major onshore and offshore oil fields, and Iran became the second-largest oil producer in OPEC and one of the world’s leading oil-producing nations. The establishment of the National Iranian Oil Company in 1951, following the nationalization of Iran’s oil industry, was a turning point in the country’s modern history, giving Iran full control over its hydrocarbon resources and inspiring similar movements in other oil-rich countries.
In the 1970s, the discovery of the South Pars Gas Field, located on the maritime border between Iran and Qatar, marked a new phase in Iran’s energy history. Development plans for various phases of this field began in the early 1990s, and Assaluyeh was chosen as the primary base for the development of gas, petrochemical, and refining industries. The South Pars field alone holds more than 14 trillion cubic meters of gas reserves, making it the world’s largest shared gas field.
The development of this field has played a crucial role in boosting Iran’s natural gas production capacity, enhancing export capabilities, and elevating Iran’s standing in the global energy market. These infrastructure developments led to a boom in gas processing and petrochemical industries, and Assaluyeh became the central hub of Iran’s gas processing activities.
Proximity to Major Energy Fields: Our refinery benefits from immediate access to feedstock due to its location near the South Pars gas field and other significant onshore and offshore oil fields in southern Iran. This proximity ensures a stable, high-capacity supply of oil and gas with minimal transportation costs.
Direct Access to the Persian Gulf and Global Markets: Assaluyeh’s location on the Persian Gulf and its proximity to major international shipping routes enable direct and cost-effective exports of refined oil, gas, and petrochemical products to high-demand markets such as China, India, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Comprehensive Industrial and Transport Infrastructure: As Iran’s main energy hub, Assaluyeh is equipped with advanced export terminals, large-scale storage facilities, oil and gas pipelines, dedicated power plants, gas compressor stations, and an extensive road, rail, and air transport network. These facilities facilitate seamless production and export processes for industrial players in the region.
Pars Special Economic Energy Zone (PSEEZ): This zone offers favorable investment conditions, including tax exemptions, customs benefits, and streamlined administrative procedures that reduce production and export costs. The availability of industrial support facilities, specialized workshops, technical service centers, and a skilled workforce further enhances operational efficiency.
Complete Energy Industry Chain: Assaluyeh is the only region in Iran where the complete chain of upstream (exploration, extraction, processing) and downstream (refining, petrochemical production, manufacturing of chemical derivatives) industries is concentrated in one location. This industrial synergy significantly reduces logistical costs, speeds up production processes, and improves product quality.
The development of Assaluyeh, through the implementation of South Pars phases and the establishment of numerous refineries, petrochemical plants, power plants, and downstream industries over the past three decades, has led to remarkable economic growth in southern Iran and created thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities. The foreign currency revenue generated from the export of products from the region’s refineries and petrochemical complexes constitutes a significant portion of Iran’s income from international trade.
With these capacities, our refinery in Assaluyeh is committed to the sustainable production of oil and gas products in compliance with international standards for quality, safety, and environmental protection. We strive not only to meet the country’s domestic needs but also to play a vital role in exports and strengthening Iran’s position in the global energy market.
