Speaking Monday at a meeting with senior executives of the National Petrochemical Company, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad honored those martyred in recent conflicts, including oil industry personnel, military commanders, scientists and civilians. He also expressed condolences for national losses and extended well wishes to the country’s leadership.

Paknejad said that from the first days of the conflict, the Oil Ministry held regular high-level meetings akin to a war room, where key decisions and strategies were developed and implemented successfully.

He stressed that operational staff across the ministry’s four main companies carried out the bulk of the work, maintaining production and exports under difficult conditions. Workers at Kharg Island, in particular, ensured that oil exports continued without interruption. He added that oil sales in recent months have remained strong, providing reassurance to the country.

Despite facing serious risks, employees across upstream and downstream sectors continued operations in line with crisis conditions, he said, expressing appreciation for their efforts.

Paknejad described fuel and gas supply as the most visible public service provided by the oil industry. He noted that attacks on fuel storage facilities in Tehran and Alborz provinces aimed to disrupt supply, but swift action by the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company, along with the National Iranian Gas Company, brought the situation under control within 48 hours, preventing shortages.

The minister also referenced a recent visit by the president to the Oil Ministry, during which the president thanked oil workers for maintaining operations across fuel supply, gas distribution, and oil and gas production.

Paknejad said recent attacks have extended to petrochemical facilities, adding that meetings with leaders from the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors were intended to recognize their efforts both in headquarters and operational roles. He said oil industry workers fulfilled their responsibilities with distinction.

He emphasized that the National Petrochemical Company plays a critical regulatory role and should increase its influence and focus on restructuring processes within the sector. Efforts should also prioritize restoring damaged facilities as quickly as possible.

Paknejad called for greater ambition, urging officials not to limit themselves to existing resources. He said effective leaders go beyond constraints, and this mindset should guide the industry.

He also stressed the importance of efficient resource allocation and avoiding unnecessary spending, noting that part of the budget will be directed toward rebuilding the industry.

Paknejad highlighted the need for greater coordination among subsidiaries of the Oil Ministry, encouraging the sharing of technical and managerial expertise across the oil, gas, refining and petrochemical sectors.

He said that despite the 40-day conflict, the public did not face shortages, attributing this to the government’s performance.

Hassan Abbaszadeh, CEO of the National Petrochemical Company, said reconstruction efforts and plans to restore services at petrochemical complexes have begun, particularly in Mahshahr and Asaluyeh. He said coordination with gas and refining companies is underway to improve production performance.

Abbaszadeh added that daily crisis management meetings helped minimize damage during the conflict. Specialized teams have been formed to assess damage and accelerate the restart of less-affected facilities.

He said the company is also reviewing processes and developing new approaches to improve operations across the petrochemical sector.

Senior executives at the meeting discussed key challenges and sector needs with the oil minister.