“Safeguarding South Pars, alongside the region’s sustainable development, is a national responsibility,” said Gholamabbas Hosseini, CEO of the South Pars Gas Complex, during a press conference marking the company’s anniversary.

Describing Assaluyeh as a “symbol of modern industrial civilization” in southern Iran, Hosseini said the goal is to preserve both the region’s industrial and cultural fabric. “Fifty years from now, we should remember Assaluyeh as a lasting city, not a worn-out one,” he said.

Record gas output in 26 years

Hosseini said 1403 was one of the most productive years in the history of South Pars. In Feb., the complex broke its 26-year production record, reaching nearly 600 million cubic meters of gas per day.

At the second refinery, the company boosted output from 26 million to 39 million cubic meters a day despite technical issues with export compressors. “These achievements reflect the dedication and teamwork of our skilled and committed personnel,” Hosseini said.

 Labor relations and workforce development

Hosseini said the company had resolved long-standing labor issues. “For more than a year and a half, workers held ongoing protests. Through joint meetings, revised contracts, and clear separation of responsibilities among the complex, the Oil Ministry, and contractors, we established an atmosphere of cooperation,” he said.

Today, he added, “the workforce operates with satisfaction, discipline, and motivation,” and significant improvements have been made in pay and benefits.

 South Pars: The core of Iran’s energy supply

South Pars produces 73 percent of Iran’s natural gas, provides condensate for 45 percent of gasoline output, and supplies feedstock to 65 percent of petrochemical plants, Hosseini said. About 80 percent of Iran’s power plants run on natural gas, 60 to 65 percent of which comes directly from South Pars.

“This complex plays a decisive role in the country’s foreign exchange earnings, energy production, and economic growth,” he said.

 Early overhauls and winter readiness

For the first time, major refinery maintenance began in April instead of June, allowing the complex to be fully prepared for the winter season, Hosseini said. “All work proceeded smoothly, and we reached full operational readiness without any incidents,” he added.

 Six-month output surpasses 100 bcm

Despite a 12-day conflict that disrupted operations nationwide, all 13 refineries at South Pars remained fully functional, Hosseini said.

In the first six months of this year, the complex produced more than 101 billion cubic meters of gas, 118 million barrels of condensate, and 1.3 million tons of butane. Since its inception, South Pars has delivered about 2,370 billion cubic meters of gas to the national network.

“The complex’s total output last year was valued at around $75 billion at the free-market exchange rate, underscoring its vital contribution to national revenue,” Hosseini said.

 Local employment, self-sufficiency

About 22,000 people work in South Pars, 52 percent of them local residents. “Our recent hiring and appointments reflect a clear priority for qualified local and nonlocal talent,” Hosseini said. Three of the complex’s main refinery managers are from the region.

He added that domestic manufacturing now supplies 70 to 90 percent of refinery equipment. “Since sanctions were imposed, we have achieved full domestic production of turbines and most chemical materials, including catalysts,” Hosseini said.

 Social responsibility, environmental protection

Hosseini said the company is addressing social needs in Assaluyeh, where residents face water and electricity shortages. “Companies must support local communities through targeted assistance and training programs,” he said.

The complex currently supplies more than 1,000 cubic meters of water per day to the area, and 2,800 cubic meters to the special economic zone. The main challenge, Hosseini noted, is the aging distribution network that causes leakage and inefficiency.

He emphasized that the complex’s investments in pollution control — including a 10 trillion rial ($1 billion) mercury-capture system — reflect its commitment to environmental protection and worker safety.

 On gas flaring

“Refinery systems are designed so that without flares, some units would go offline, threatening process stability,” Hosseini said. Current flare levels are about 6.2 percent, but the company is working to optimize and reduce that rate through technical upgrades.

“Our mission is to protect people, employees, and the environment,” he said. “Every operation in South Pars aims to ensure production stability, safety, and the reduction of environmental impact.”