BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. The first unit of the distillation tower of Iran’s Abadan Oil Refining Company in Khuzestan Province (south-western Iran) was put into use on December 13, 2022, Managing Director of the National Iranian Oil Engineering and Construction Company (NIOEC), Farhad Ahmadi said, Trend reports citing Shana News Agency.
In 2017, the construction of the mentioned distillation tower was started at the Abadan Oil Refining Company as a mega-project. In total, 2.6 billion euros are planned to be spent on the construction and commissioning of this plant.
However, due to various problems, including the sanctions imposed by the US against Iran, financial security, the coronavirus pandemic, etc., it was decided to build the plant in two stages. Today, the 1st unit of that plant was launched.
Ahmadi said that the first unit that has the capacity to process 210,000 barrels of crude oil per day is considered the largest distillation tower in the country.
The director added that a total of 1 billion euros were spent on the construction and launch of the first unit.
“Meanwhile, the 2nd unit of the distillation tower of Abadan Oil Refining Company is expected to be launched within the next 3 years. This unit will manufacture products in accordance with Euro 5 standards,” he noted.
According to Ahmadi, the mentioned plant was built at the expense of investment by a consortium of Iranian and foreign companies.
Iran's Abadan Oil Refining Company processes 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The company produces various products, including, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), gasoline, white oil, diesel, mazut, bitumen, solvents, sulfur, naphtha and other products.
The US imposed new sanctions on Iran in November 2018. Over the past period, the sanctions affected Iranian oil exports, more than 700 banks, companies, and individuals. The sanctions have resulted in the freezing of Iranian assets abroad.
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