As the Islamic Republic enters its 46th year on the global political stage, a review of the country's position in the upstream oil sector reveals remarkable progress achieved in less than half a century, thanks to the dedication of the industry's pioneers. Iran's oil industry, as one of the largest in the world, plays a vital role in the nation's economy.

The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), as the executive arm of the Ministry of Petroleum, is responsible for the development, production, and export of oil and gas. Over the past 45 years, the company has faced numerous challenges and opportunities. This report examines NIOC's performance across various sectors and highlights the most significant achievements.

 Exploration: still thriving

Over the 45 years since the glorious Islamic Revolution, Iran has not only produced oil and gas but has also discovered new oil and gas fields, identifying approximately 70 new hydrocarbon fields.

Each drilling operation and every step taken tells a story of faith and sacrifice by men and women striving for the independence and growth of their homeland. Of the 70 discovered oil and gas fields, 21 are oil fields.

Among the most notable achievements are the discovery of the South Pars gas field, the largest gas reserves in the world, and the massive Azadegan and Yadavaran oilfields.

Fields such as South Pars, Azadegan, Yadavaran, Tabnak, Changouleh, Azar, Kish, Band-e Karkheh, Arvand, Sardar Jangal, Kheirabad, Gordan, Zireh, and others have been discovered since the revolution. These fields, along with others like North Pars, Eram, Paranj, and Forouzan, have significantly boosted Iran's hydrocarbon reserves.

 South Pars development: Key to energy security

South Pars, the world's largest gas field, has been a headline-maker for the past three decades. Shared between Iran and Qatar, this field has seen intense competition, with both sides striving to extract more gas. However, despite limitations, Iran's oil industry workers have ensured that Iran's daily gas extraction surpasses Qatar's in recent years.

South Pars is not just a gas field; it is a symbol of Iran's energy independence and security. Each phase of development has brought Iran closer to a stable and powerful economy.

Today, South Pars supplies over 70% of Iran's gas and 40% of its gasoline feedstock, making it the lifeblood of the nation's economy. With plans for pressure boosting, this treasure will benefit not only the current generation but also future ones.

South Pars covers 9,700 square kilometers, with 3,700 square kilometers belonging to Iran. Out of 1,310 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, 410 trillion cubic feet are Iran's share. The field also holds 49 billion barrels of gas condensates, with Iran's share being 16 billion barrels.

Currently, 55% of the condensates produced in South Pars are sent to the Persian Gulf Star Refinery, producing 70 million liters of products daily, including 45 million liters of gasoline, accounting for 40% of Iran's gasoline production.

The gas produced from South Pars, which meets over 70% of Iran's gas demand, is equivalent to 4 million barrels of oil per day. Since the start of gas extraction, cumulative production has reached over 2,738 billion cubic meters, valued at $850 billion.

With 13 refineries, 3,200 offshore pipelines, 29 platforms, and 336 wells, South Pars produces over 710 million cubic meters of gas daily.

Each refinery produces 50 million cubic meters of network gas, 400 tons of sulfur, 77,000 barrels of gas condensates, and other products worth $10 million daily, totaling $3.5 billion annually. Additionally, 29 million tons of ethane, propane, and butane are extracted and delivered to petrochemical units or exported.

 West Karoun: Testament to Iranian expertise

West Karoun, with its scorching sun and the waves of the Karun River, narrates an epic tale of Iran's oil industry. Currently, over 350,000 barrels of oil are produced daily in West Karun, with plans to increase this to over 1 million barrels per day in the next five years.

The region is home to over 13 oil fields, with in-place oil reserves estimated at 67 billion barrels, primarily heavy and extra-heavy crude. Although development began in the late 1990s with foreign companies, it is now carried out by domestic contractors.

 Energy diplomacy: Light in dark nights of sanctions

Over the past 45 years, Iran's oil industry has faced endless challenges, including war, sanctions, and threats. However, the nation's energy diplomacy has consistently navigated these challenges, finding innovative ways to sell oil and gas even when global trade doors were closed.

The American Peace Institute once summarized a report on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's oil in one sentence: "Iran's oil is irreplaceable!" This statement, echoed by analysts worldwide, underscores Iran's pivotal role in global energy markets. Despite sanctions, Iran's oil continues to flow, proving that even in the darkest nights, there is a glimmer of hope.

 Domestic manufacturing: Story of Iranian capability

Despite numerous challenges, Iran's oil industry has reached new heights thanks to the ingenuity of its people. Engineers, contractors, and operational staff have reverse-engineered and creatively designed the tools and equipment needed, achieving 80% self-sufficiency in manufacturing and production.

The Ministry of Oil has been a staunch supporter of domestic manufacturing, ranking first among executive bodies in promoting local production. Every bolt and nut produced domestically tells a story of faith and determination.

 Gas flaring reduction: Flickering light

One of the oil industry's most significant achievements has been the reduction of gas flaring, which not only improves the environment but also optimizes the use of valuable energy resources.

The Ministry of Oil's long-term plans aim to collect 2 billion cubic feet of associated gas, reducing pollution and enhancing economic efficiency.

 Exploration, production companies: Backbone of the industry

Despite severe sanctions, Iran's exploration and production companies, established in the early 2000s, have kept the industry alive. Companies like Petropars, PetroIran, and others have achieved what was once the domain of foreign firms, marking the true nationalization of Iran's oil industry.

 Social responsibility: An inherent duty

Social responsibility is a key component of sustainable development. In Iran's oil industry, this means investing in local communities, protecting the environment, and improving living conditions.

The Ministry of Oil has prioritized social responsibility, ensuring that oil and gas projects contribute to the development of local communities, particularly in oil-rich regions.

The oil industry's commitment to social responsibility is not just a duty but a core value, reflecting the industry's dedication to the people and the environment.

Over the years, investments in education, healthcare, and environmental projects have shown that the well-being of people and the planet is as important as oil and gas production.

Iran's oil industry stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and progress. Despite decades of challenges, it continues to thrive, driven by the determination and ingenuity of its people.