Iran’s downstream braces for the challenge
Iran’s downstream sector is almost as important for the country’s economic and strategic goals as the headline-hogging upstream
The Iranian downstream energy industry faces many of the same problems as its upstream counterpart - a lack of finance and foreign investment, and difficulty in accessing equipment and technology, largely but not entirely because of sanctions. The country's five-year energy plan post-sanctions involved spending about $70bn in petrochemicals and $14bn in refinery upgrades. The petrochemicals strategy is focused largely on making the most of Iran's giant, low-cost production of gas and associated natural gas liquids (NGLs) production. Iran's refining sector development has three key, related aims—to increase the output of lighter products; to minimise the yield of low-value fuel oil; and to el
Also in this section
11 February 2026
Panellists from three LNG buyers at LNG2026 in Doha outlined their evolving procurement strategies as they navigate heightened market volatility
11 February 2026
North African producer plans to boost output by early 2030, with Europe its number one priority as export destination
11 February 2026
Maritime leaders at LNG2026 warned of the dangers of over-regulation on competitiveness, sustainability and innovation
10 February 2026
The country has opened bidding on 50 blocks in a new licensing round but will face competition for attention and will need to address concerns about security and legislation
