Iran Propylene Output to Rise 300 Percent

EghtesadOnline: To increase the share of value-added exports, the National Petrochemical Company’s propylene output is expected to increase by 3 million tons or 300% over the next five years, the head of the company said Monday.

News ID: ۷۴۸۰۳۳

30 July 2019

"Annual propylene production now is 900,000 tons and is programmed to reach 3.9 million tons as soon as seven projects are launched in Bandar Mahshahr, Khuzestan Province and Assaluyeh, Kangan in Bushehr Province," Behzad Mohammadi was quoted as saying by ILNA.

He said three projects, namely Salman Farsi, Hirsa Polymer and Kourosh are being developed in Mahshahr Petrochemical Special Economic Zone in Khuzestan Province. Four other plants, namely Entekhab, Mehrpetro Kimia, Azaran and Razavi are being completed in Bushehr.

What is produced is used in its entirety by the domestic market, according to Financial Tribune.

"Propylene is a strategic commodity in the petrochemical industries. It can be transformed into value added products like polypropylene and create jobs in the downstream petrochemical sector".

Iran produces a large variety of petrochemicals (350 types), for which there is high international demand, and exports to 30 Asian, European and South American countries.

Polypropylene -- the world's second-most widely produced synthetic plastic, after polyethylene  -- is used in a variety of applications including packaging and labeling, textiles, carpets, stationery, plastic parts and reusable containers, laboratory equipment, loudspeakers, automotive parts and polymer banknotes.

The state-owned NPC is the top regulatory body of the petrochemical industry.

Propylene is a colorless fuel gas with a naturally pungent smell. Although similar to propane, it has a double bond which gives it a combustion advantage. It is is extremely flammable and non-toxic.