The year was marked by relentless efforts and pivotal transformations. Facing diverse challenges and growing domestic demands, the sector played a crucial role in national stability and development through effective measures and innovative approaches. This report highlights the industry’s key achievements and challenges over the past year. 

 Launch of West Asia’s largest hydrocracker unit at Abadan Refinery 

On June 24, 2024, the largest hydrocracker unit in West Asia—the final phase of the Abadan Oil Refinery’s development and capacity stabilization project (Phase 2)—began operations with a daily capacity of 42,000 barrels. The unit produces high-value, environmentally friendly light products. 

The hydrocracker unit enables the Abadan refinery to produce Euro-5 standard fuels, aligning with global environmental standards. It also upgrades diesel quality to Euro 5. The unit reduces the refinery’s fuel oil output by 42,000 barrels per day, converting it into valuable products like liquefied gas, heavy and light naphtha, jet fuel, and Euro-5 gas oil—enhancing both product diversity and added value. 

 Tabriz-Khoy-Urmia pipeline operationalized 

The 220-kilometer Tabriz-Khoy-Urmia pipeline, with a daily transfer capacity of 65,000 barrels, began operations on June 24, 2024, ensuring stable and secure transport of refined products from the Tabriz refinery. 

The pipeline eliminates road transportation, saving fuel and time while reducing traffic risks and environmental damage. It prevents 700 daily tanker trips on key routes. 

The same day, four other projects at the Tabriz refinery—worth €120 million—were launched: a gas oil treatment unit, hydrogen purification (PSA), sulfur recovery (SRP), and tail gas treatment (TGT). These projects, executed by domestic contractors, doubled the refinery’s Euro-5 diesel output from 2 million to 5 million liters per day. 

 National Fuel Dispatch Company unveils Data Monitoring Center 

The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC) launched a data monitoring and analysis center to oversee the entire fuel supply chain—from crude oil delivery to refineries, pipeline status, storage tanks, and nationwide fuel distribution. 

 Aliabad-Katul Pressure Reduction Pipeline powers Azarakhsh Power Plant 

An 8-inch pipeline supplying 45,000 barrels of gas oil daily to the Azarakhsh power plant in Golstan was completed by Northern Oil Pipeline and Telecommunication Company experts. The project eliminates tanker truck traffic, cuts road accidents, reduces environmental pollution, lowers government costs, and prevents fuel smuggling. 

 New CEO Appointed for NIORDC 

Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad appointed Mohammad-Sadeq Azimifar as the new CEO of NIORDC on August 24, 2024. 

 Abadan Refinery’s Sulfur Solidification Unit launched 

The Phase 2 sulfur solidification and granulation unit at Abadan Refinery, with a 460-ton daily capacity, began operations to maximize feedstock use (210,000 barrels), reduce underground resource waste, boost foreign currency revenue, and support environmental protection. 

 Shiraz Refinery’s Isomerization Unit operationalized 

On November 18, 2024, Shiraz Refinery’s 5,000-barrel-per-day isomerization unit started operations, producing 1.6 million liters of Euro-4 gasoline daily. The project increases gasoline output by 20%, raises octane levels from 87 to 91, reduces benzene content to below 1%, cuts aromatics to under 35%, and lowers sulfur content to less than 2 ppm—meeting Euro-5 standards. 

 First domestic Industrial Paging System developed at Abadan Refinery 

Abadan Refinery experts developed Iran’s first secure, untraceable industrial paging system, replacing costly foreign models that required frequent updates and licensing. The system enhances rapid communication in oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. 

 Bandar Abbas-Rafsanjan Pipeline launched 

The first phase of the Bandar Abbas-Sirjan-Rafsanjan pipeline (100,000 barrels/day) began operations on December 7, 2024. The 26-inch, 460-kilometer pipeline will eventually transport 300,000 barrels daily (48 million liters) of gasoline, kerosene, and gas oil from Bandar Abbas to Rafsanjan. 

 Bandar Abbas Refinery Feedstock Pipeline operationalized 

A 30-inch, 37-kilometer branch of the Goreh-Jask crude pipeline began operations on January 2, 2025, securing 300,000 barrels/day of feedstock for Bandar Abbas Refinery. The project saves $80 million annually in transport costs. 

 Smart Supply Chain Management Agreement signed 

On February 2, 2025, NIORDC, MAPNA Group, and Irancell signed an agreement to implement real-time monitoring and smart management of Iran’s fuel supply chain, integrating advanced measurement, communication, and leak detection systems. 

 Record liquid fuel delivery to power plants 

In 1403, over 22 billion liters of liquid fuel were supplied to power plants—a 7 billion-liter increase from 2023. Key milestones included: 

- 45% rise in gas oil delivery in February 2025. 

- 94 million liters supplied on February 11, 2025. 

- 7.4 billion liters delivered in the first six months of the new administration. 

- Unprecedented daily average of 60 million liters from February 19-25, 2025. 

- Record 107 million liters delivered on February 21, 2025. 

- 132% surge in gas oil distribution from February 19-24, 2025, compared to 2023. 

- 32% increase in February 2025 deliveries. 

These achievements underscore Iran’s refining industry’s pivotal role in energy security and sustainable development.