Ali Ahmadipour highlighted the mission of the oil transportation industry, noting that operational staff worked round-the-clock during Nowruz, as in previous years, to ensure uninterrupted fuel transfer from refineries to oil depots and maintain refinery feedstock supply. 

Emphasizing the importance of human resources, he said, "Our workforce is the driving force of this industry. Operational units play a key role in transporting petroleum products, and supporting staff also deserve recognition for their commendable efforts." 

Given Iran’s diverse climate—from tropical to cold regions across 12 operational zones—extensive efforts are made by employees. As a result, improving livelihoods and boosting motivation for oil transportation workers is a top priority, Ahmadipour added. 

3b liters of fuel transferred during Nowruz 

Citing official statistics, Ahmadipour said over 2 billion liters of the total transferred fuel was gasoline. Additionally, 34 million barrels of crude oil were delivered to refineries—a 33% increase compared to the same period last year, when less than 3 billion liters were transferred. 

 Continuous pipeline monitoring 

Ahmadipour described monitoring as a critical aspect of the oil transportation industry, noting that pipeline breaches in most regions have dropped to near zero. However, two southern regions saw increased theft attempts due to the high value of petroleum products, though enhanced surveillance and planning prevented successful breaches.  

He added that armed security contracts with law enforcement firms have significantly reduced breaches. Additionally, a physical monitoring system will soon be installed along the Bandar Abbas-Rafsanjan pipeline for tighter control. 

 Three projects set for commissioning soon 

Ahmadipour announced three near-ready projects: 

1. The second Bandar Abbas-Rafsanjan pipeline, currently operating at one-third capacity, will reach full capacity by September after equipment installation. 

2. The Torsh Ab-Shazand crude oil pipeline will be fully operational by September. 

3. The Tabriz-Khoy-Urmia pipeline will reach maximum capacity by October. 

He noted that hiring—both permanent and contractual—will be necessary to staff these new pipelines. 

 Early power plant connections to pipelines 

Ahmadipour highlighted efforts to connect power plants to pipelines, which have reduced fuel smuggling. Two power plants—Hengam and Isin—were connected last year after rapid metering system installations. Employees in these regions went beyond their usual duties to ensure successful implementation. 

"Thanks to these measures, both plants were connected to the pipeline network in the shortest time possible," he said.