He also stressed the need to improve their working conditions and equipment.  

Speaking on Wednesday at the closing ceremony of the first technical and specialized event for gas refinery operators, Saeid Tavakoli noted that ideation alone is not enough—ideas must be properly processed, implemented, and yield results. “What we witnessed today was the embodiment of this process,” he said. “This event started as an idea, faced initial skepticism, but through persistence, it was executed, and today, operators are benefiting from it.”  

Tavakoli praised the efforts of the training unit, public relations team, and the event’s organizing committee, saying, “At the start of the project, many colleagues doubted it could be completed in less than two months. Yet, thanks to the executive team’s dedication, the site was prepared, and the project was carried out with high precision.”  

Recalling his own experience in instrumentation and shift operations, the NIGC CEO said, “I once worked as a senior instrumentation technician at Isfahan’s gas pipeline station. Back then, we endured grueling night shifts. The workload, irregular sleep, and tough conditions made even financial incentives, like the 25% shift bonus, insufficient to compensate for the hardships.”  

Tavakoli stressed the duty to support operators at all levels of responsibility, improving their working conditions to match the importance of their roles. “Operators are the backbone of the gas industry,” he said. “As long as I hold this position, I will fully support you.”  

As Iran’s deputy oil minister for gas affairs, he noted that, under the Budget and Planning Law, at least 20% of bureaucratic structures must be reduced, with responsibilities delegated. “Our duty is to move toward agile, efficient structures through decentralization and delegation,” he said. “Serious steps must be taken in this regard.”  

Operators:  Technical pillars of Iran’s gas industry

Tavakoli underscored operators’ critical role in gas production, transmission, and refining, stating, “Their work is not just operational—they handle complex equipment where even a minor error can cause major damage.”  

“Without knowledge and logic, no equipment would function,” he added. “A simple mistake in connecting a cable or adjusting a module can halt an entire station. That’s why we must value these technical experts.”  

Referring to his experience in gas transmission projects, he said, “When a compressor or turbine starts up, you directly contribute to producing and transmitting millions of cubic meters of gas. It’s an honor to drive the industry forward in the world’s third-largest gas producer.”  

He also emphasized maintaining motivation and improving operators’ professional status, urging NIGC’s HR department to develop effective plans. “We must strengthen our support by being present on-site, listening to concerns, and engaging honestly.”  

Knowledge management must become a standard practice

Tavakoli called for “knowledge management” to become a permanent practice in the gas industry, adding that technical events like this should serve as platforms for professional dialogue, experience sharing, and skill enhancement. “Documenting these experiences as official company knowledge is essential.”  

Operators’ dignity reflects our identity

The deputy oil minister, referencing his field visits, said, “When we speak with operators, we see individuals who not only play an unmatched technical role but also represent NIGC’s identity to the public. Even their uniforms shape families’ and citizens’ perceptions of the company.”  

“We manage a vast network serving millions under challenging conditions,” he said. “This success didn’t come easily—we should take pride in ourselves, our colleagues, and the future we’re building together.”  

At the ceremony’s conclusion, the NIGC CEO thanked the event’s organizers, refinery managers, and operators for their efforts.