He stated that production will increase by 15,000 barrels per day following the launch of the second phase of the Ahvaz Central Desalination Unit, reaching approximately 40,000 barrels per day by the end of the year.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the second phase on Wednesday, Paknejad emphasized that, under the Seventh Development Plan, Iran’s crude oil production capacity is targeted to reach 4.58 million barrels per day by the end of the program (2028).

He noted that achieving this goal will require an estimated $45 billion in investment over five years, averaging $9 billion annually.

Paknejad stressed the need for precise planning and leveraging legal capacities to meet these financial requirements.

The minister highlighted that numerous projects have been planned to develop oil fields, with contracts expected to be signed and operations to commence gradually.

He added that short-term measures, including maintenance and production enhancement operations, will be implemented to boost output.

Paknejad reported that such efforts over the past five months, since the start of the 14th administration, have already increased daily crude oil production by approximately 70,000 barrels.

He explained that some wells in the South Oil-Rich Regions Company had been taken offline due to insufficient desalination capacity.

However, with the launch of the second phase of the desalination project, production capacity is set to rise. Initial production increases will start at 15,000 barrels per day and are expected to reach 40,000 barrels per day by yearend.

The Ahvaz Central Desalination Unit, the largest of its kind in the country, represents a total investment of about 120 million euros across both phases, with a combined capacity of 220,000 barrels per day.

Paknejad praised the efforts of National Iranian Oil Company employees, contractors, consultants, and domestic manufacturers, who produced 85% of the facility’s equipment.

Paknejad described the project’s inauguration as a promising step toward increasing crude oil production, boosting national revenue, enhancing public welfare, and supporting economic development.

Following the minister’s remarks, President Masoud Pezeshkian honored the memory of oil industry martyrs and officially ordered the launch of the second phase of the Ahvaz Central Desalination Unit.