Zeynab Qeysari stated that the industry is also a key strategy for circumventing sanctions and generating foreign currency.

During a meeting on Monday (March 10), Qeysari, who leads the faction, highlighted the presence of Hasan Abbaszadeh, CEO of the National Petrochemical Company, and other senior industry officials. She noted that the petrochemical industry, as one of the main drivers of the country's economic ecosystem, has faced significant challenges over the past decade.

These issues have now reached a critical point, prompting the faction to focus on addressing systemic problems and reducing obstacles within the sector.

Qeysari attributed the growing challenges to gas imbalances and the intensification of sanctions following the Trump administration's policies. She emphasized the need for proactive measures to resolve these issues, stressing the importance of monitoring the implementation of the Seventh Development Plan and ensuring the petrochemical industry achieves its economic growth targets.

The faction leader pledged to use her position to advocate for the petrochemical industry and bring its challenges to the attention of decision-makers. She noted that the industry has the potential to create jobs if its value chain is completed.

While global gas consumption is dominated by major industries and power plants, Qeysari pointed out that in Iran, industries account for only about 20% of gas consumption, with petrochemicals making up just 8.9%. She argued that the petrochemical sector, which generates foreign currency and helps bypass sanctions, deserves special attention.

Qeysari emphasized that gas energy is an economic advantage for Iran. However, she criticized the lack of sufficient opportunities for private sector investment in the petrochemical industry, despite its potential. She also highlighted the incomplete value chain in the sector, where raw and semi-processed materials are sold instead of fully developed products. Completing this chain, she said, would not only generate foreign currency but also create employment opportunities.

She further noted that despite 20 years of privatization and the implementation of Article 44 of the Constitution, the absence of an independent regulatory body in the sector is more apparent than ever. Qeysari argued that establishing such an independent entity could resolve many of the industry's challenges.

Qeysari called on the Ministry of Oil to accelerate petrochemical investments in upstream fields.

She acknowledged that the ministry's planning deputy has prepared a directive, which has been submitted to the government's economic commission, but urged its swift approval to facilitate investment in upstream petrochemical projects.