Pezeshkian calls for integrated management across oil, gas sectors
‘Flare gas recovery as a technical, economic necessity’
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for integrated communication and management systems across the country's oil and gas sectors, saying the industry should align with global standards, advanced technologies and modern monitoring systems.
According to IRNA, Pezeshkian made the remarks during a visit to the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) on Sunday, where he said that despite progress in monitoring and surveillance, some issues could still go undetected, according to IRNA.
He said developing integrated management systems and expanding training in new technologies should be among the Oil Ministry's priorities.
Pezeshkian also described flare gas recovery as a technical and economic necessity, saying better management and the use of modern technologies could reduce energy waste and improve refinery efficiency. He called for faster implementation of flare gas recovery projects.
The remarks come as Iran has accelerated flare gas recovery projects under the current administration. According to the National Iranian Oil Company, flare gas collection has increased from about 5 million cubic meters per day at the start of the administration to more than 9 million cubic meters per day, with a target of 35 million cubic meters per day by the end of the government's term.
The Oil Ministry has said projects including the $1.6 billion NGL 3100 development are expected to eliminate several major flare sites, significantly reduce gas wastage and supply additional feedstock to the country's gas network.
The World Bank has identified Iran as one of the world's largest gas-flaring countries. Its latest report said gas flaring in Iran increased 12% in 2024, reflecting higher oil output and insufficient investment in projects to capture and utilize associated gas.
Pezeshkian also described technological development as essential for competing in global markets, saying the oil industry should continuously assess its strengths and weaknesses to improve productivity.
He also urged officials to send specialists abroad for technical training if needed to update their expertise.
During the visit, the president received briefings on oil and gas production and consumption, energy management during the country's two recent wars, flare gas recovery and the progress of national oil industry projects.
Iran came under a 12-day US-Israeli attack in June 2025 and another war that began in late February 2026, during which parts of the country's oil and gas infrastructure were targeted.