Editing Economy of Iran (section)

=== Manufacturing ===
{{Main|Industry of Iran}}[[File:Industry-Iran-map.jpg|thumb|right|Iran has a diversified and broad industrial base. In 1998, the [[United Nations]] classified Iran's economy as "semi-developed".]]{{See also|Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran|Iran Electronics Industries|Iran Aviation Industries Organization|Iranian Space Agency|l1=IDRO|l2=Iran Electronics Industries}}

Large-scale factory manufacturing began in the 1920s. During the [[Iran–Iraq War]], Iraq bombed many of [[National Iranian Petrochemical Company|Iran's petrochemical plants]], damaging the large [[Abadan Refinery|oil refinery at Abadan]] bringing production to a halt. Reconstruction began in 1988 and production resumed in 1993. In spite of the war, many small factories sprang up to produce import-substitution goods and materials needed by the military.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iran/industry.htm Iran's Defense Industry]. Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved February 3, 2011.</ref>

Iran's major manufactured products are petrochemicals, steel and copper products. Other important manufactures include automobiles, home and electric appliances, telecommunications equipment, cement and industrial machinery. Iran operates the largest operational population of industrial robots in West Asia.<ref>[http://www.worldrobotics.org/downloads/General.pdf IFRstat.org] {{Dead link|date=November 2016}}. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, October 11, 2005. Retrieved July 23, 2010.</ref> Other products include paper, rubber products, processed foods, [[Iranian leather industry|leather products]] and [[Pharmaceuticals in Iran|pharmaceuticals]]. In 2000, [[Industry of Iran#Textiles and apparel industry|textile mills]], using domestic cotton and wool such as ''Tehran Patou'' and ''Iran Termeh'' employed around 400,000 people around Tehran, [[Isfahan]] and along the Caspian coast.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.nitc.co.ir/iran-daily/1388/3438/html/economy.htm |title = Textile Smuggling Harms Domestic Production |access-date=June 1, 2016 }} {{Dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. ''Iran Daily'', July 1, 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://iran-daily.com/1385/2758/html/economy.htm |title=Textile factories in trouble |access-date=June 2, 2010 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018004526/http://iran-daily.com/1385/2758/html/economy.htm |archive-date=October 18, 2007 }}. ''Iran Daily'', January 15, 2007.</ref>
[[File:A giant distillation tower in Arak.jpg|thumb|Giant Fractionating column manufactured by [[Machin Sazi Arak|Machine Sazi Arak (MSA)]]]]
A 2003 report by the [[United Nations Industrial Development Organization]] regarding [[Industry of Iran#Small and medium enterprises|small and medium-sized enterprises]] (SMEs)<ref name=UNIDO1>[http://www.unido.org/fileadmin/user_media/Publications/Pub_free/Strategy_document_to_enhance_contribution_of_efficient_and_competitive_SME_sector%20_in_Iran.pdf ''Iran's Small and Medium Enterprises''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903060902/http://www.unido.org/fileadmin/user_media/Publications/Pub_free/Strategy_document_to_enhance_contribution_of_efficient_and_competitive_SME_sector%20_in_Iran.pdf |date=September 3, 2013 }}. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (2003). Retrieved February 2, 2010.</ref> identified the following impediments to industrial development:
* Lack of monitoring institutions;
* Inefficient [[Banking in Iran|banking system]];
* Insufficient [[Science in Iran#Science in modern Iran|research & development]];
* Shortage of managerial skills;
* [[Corruption in Iran|Corruption]];
* [[Taxation in Iran|Inefficient taxation]];
* Socio-cultural apprehensions;
* Absence of social learning loops;
* Shortcomings in international market awareness necessary for [[Global Competitiveness Report|global competition]];
* Cumbersome bureaucratic procedures;
* Shortage of skilled labor;
* Lack of [[Intellectual property in Iran|intellectual property protection]];
* Inadequate social capital, social responsibility and [[Culture of Iran|socio-cultural values]].

Despite these problems, Iran has progressed in various [[Science and technology in Iran|scientific and technological fields]], including [[National Iranian Petrochemical Company|petrochemical]], [[Pharmaceuticals in Iran|pharmaceutical]], [[Iranian Space Agency|aerospace]], [[List of military equipment manufactured in Iran|defense]], and [[Industry of Iran|heavy industry]]. Even in the face of [[sanctions against Iran|economic sanctions]], Iran is emerging as an [[industrialized country]].<ref name="ECO-20100927">{{Cite web |url=http://www.ecosecretariat.org/ftproot/Publications/Journal/2/Industrialization%20and%20Dependency%20-%20the%20Case%20of%20Iran%20d%20by%20Akbar%20Torbat.doc |title=Industrialization and Dependency: the Case of Iran |format=Microsoft Word |date=September 27, 2010 |last1=Torbat |first1=Akbar |website=[[Economic Cooperation Organization]] |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726015057/http://www.ecosecretariat.org/ftproot/Publications/Journal/2/Industrialization%20and%20Dependency%20-%20the%20Case%20of%20Iran%20d%20by%20Akbar%20Torbat.doc |archive-date=July 26, 2011 |access-date=February 5, 2011 }}</ref>

==== Handicrafts ====
{{Main|ICHTO|Iranian art|Persian rug}}
[[File:ISFAHAN CARPET.jpg|thumb|Persian carpet]]
Iran has a long tradition of producing [[Iranian art|artisanal goods]] including [[Persian carpet]]s, [[Iranian art#Pottery and ceramics|ceramics]], copperware, brassware, glass, leather goods, textiles and wooden artifacts. The country's carpet-weaving tradition dates from pre-Islamic times and remains an important industry contributing substantial amounts to rural incomes. An estimated 1.2 million weavers in Iran produce carpets for domestic and international export markets.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} More than $500 million worth of hand-woven carpets are exported each year, accounting for 30% of the 2008 world market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3296/html/economy.htm |title=Health Insurance for Carpet Weavers |access-date=December 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603082009/http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3296/html/economy.htm |archive-date=June 3, 2009 }}. ''Iran Daily'', December 16, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/5a5c0444-1669-11df-bf44-00144feab49a.html Iran's oldest craft left behind]. ''Financial Times'', February 10, 2010 (subscription required). Retrieved February 10, 2009.</ref> Around 5.2 million people work in some 250 handicraft fields and contribute 3% of GDP.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

==== Automobile manufacturing ====
{{Main|Iranian automobile industry}}
[[File:Iran Khodro factory 2.jpg|thumb|[[Iran Khodro]] is the largest car manufacturer in the Middle-East. It has established joint-ventures with foreign partners on 4 continents.]]

As of 2001, 13 public and privately owned automakers within Iran, led by [[Iran Khodro]] and [[SAIPA|Saipa]] that accounted for 94% of domestic production. Iran Khodro's [[Paykan]], replaced by the [[Samand]] in 2005, is the predominant brand. With 61% of the 2001 market, Khodro was the largest player, whilst Saipa contributed 33% that year. Other car manufacturers, such as the [[Bahman Group]], Kerman Motors, [[Kish Khodro]], Raniran, Traktorsazi, Shahab Khodro and others accounted for the remaining 6%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atiehbahar.com/Resources/Automotive.htm |title=Iran Automotive Industry |access-date=May 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617154335/http://www.atiehbahar.com/Resources/Automotive.htm |archive-date=June 17, 2008 }}. Atieh Bahar (2003).</ref>

These automakers produce a wide range of vehicles including motorbikes, passenger cars such as Saipa's [[Saipa Miniator|Tiba]], vans, mini trucks, medium-sized trucks, heavy trucks, minibuses, large buses and other heavy automobiles used for commercial and private activities in the country. In 2009 Iran ranked fifth in car production growth after China, Taiwan, Romania and India.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8905271515 |title=Iran Ranks 5th in Car Production Growth |work=Fars News Agency |date=August 18, 2010 |access-date=November 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301004951/http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8905271515 |archive-date=March 1, 2012 }}</ref> Iran was the world's [[List of countries by motor vehicle production|12th biggest automaker in 2010]] and operates a fleet of 11.5 million cars.<ref name="Cars">{{cite document |title = Iran Automotive Forecast |publisher= Economist Intelligence Unit |year = 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://iran-daily.com/1386/2865/html/economy.htm |title=Iran 16th Biggest Automaker |access-date=June 12, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017225933/http://iran-daily.com/1386/2865/html/economy.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2007 }}. ''Iran Daily'', June 12, 2007.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://iran-daily.com/1386/2883/html/economy.htm |title=Gasoline Quota Will Change In Two Months |access-date=July 4, 2007 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020011705/http://iran-daily.com/1386/2883/html/economy.htm |archive-date=October 20, 2007 }}. ''Iran Daily'', July 4, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=226986 Iran ranks 2nd in using gas-fueled cars]. ''Tehran Times'', September 20, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2010.</ref> Iran produced 1,395,421 cars in 2010, including 35,901 commercial vehicles.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

==== Defense industry ====
{{Main|Military of Iran|Defense industry of Iran}}
{{See also|List of military equipment manufactured in Iran}}

In 2007 the [[International Institute for Strategic Studies]] estimated Iran's defense budget at $7.31 billion, equivalent to 2.6% of GDP or $102 per capita, ranking it 25th internationally. The country's [[Defense industry of Iran|defense industry]] manufactures many types of arms and equipment. Since 1992, Iran's [[Defense Industries Organization]] (DIO) has produced its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, [[Iran's missile forces|guided missiles]], radar systems, guided missile destroyers, military vessels, submarines and fighter planes.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/story/iran-launches-production-of-stealth-sub Iran Launches Production of Stealth Sub] . Associated Press, May 10, 2005. Retrieved February 13, 2008.</ref> In 2006 Iran exported weapons to 57 countries, including [[NATO]] members, and exports reached $100 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iribnews.ir/Full_en.asp?news_id=190718&n=32 |title=IRI exports warfare to 50 countries |access-date=July 20, 2010 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213202418/http://www.iribnews.ir/Full_en.asp?news_id=190718&n=32 |archive-date=February 13, 2008 }}. [[IRIB]], April 23, 2005.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iribnews.ir/Full_en.asp?news_id=220656&n=12 |title=Iran exports military equipment |access-date=July 20, 2010 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927213942/http://www.iribnews.ir/Full_en.asp?news_id=220656&n=12 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}. IRIB, September 3, 2006.</ref> It has also developed a sophisticated mobile [[air defense system]] dubbed as [[Bavar 373]].<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.payvand.com/news/11/sep/1224.html |title = Iran Nearing Production of Indigenous S-300 Missile System |work=Payvand |date = September 22, 2011 |access-date = September 6, 2015 |archive-date = September 24, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924115917/http://www.payvand.com/news/11/sep/1224.html }}</ref>

==== Construction and real estate ====
{{Main|Construction in Iran|Water supply and sanitation in Iran}}
[[File:HEPCO Grader (1).jpg|thumb|223x223px|[[HEPCO]] motor grader (HG180D1) is working on [[Road|road construction]]]]
Until the early 1950s construction remained in the hands of small domestic companies. Increased income from oil and gas and easy credit triggered a building boom that attracted international construction firms to the country. This growth continued until the mid-1970s when a sharp rise in inflation and a credit squeeze collapsed the boom. The construction industry had revived somewhat by the mid-1980s, although housing shortages and speculation remained serious problems, especially in large urban centers. As of January 2011, the [[banking in Iran|banking sector]], particularly [[Bank Maskan]], had loaned up to 102 trillion rials ($10.2 billion) to applicants of [[Construction in Iran#Mehr Housing Scheme|Mehr housing scheme]].<ref>[http://www.iran-daily.com/1389/10/23/MainPaper/3870/Page/4/Index.htm $10b Allocated for Mehr Housing]. ''Iran Daily'', January 13, 2011. Retrieved April 3, 2011.</ref> Construction is one of the most important sectors accounting for 20–50% of total private investment in urban areas and was one of the prime investment targets of well-off Iranians.<ref name=CBI2 />

Annual turnover amounted to $38.4 billion in 2005 and $32.8 billion in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.austrade.gov.au/Construction-to-Iran/default.aspx |title=Construction in Iran |access-date=March 6, 2007 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070306065159/http://www.austrade.gov.au/Construction-to-Iran/default.aspx |archive-date=March 6, 2007 }}. Australian Trade (2007).</ref><ref>[http://www.prlog.org/11187248-iran-infrastructure-report-q1-2011-new-research-report-available-at-fast-market-research.html ''Iran Infrastructure Report'']. Business Monitor International (Q1 2011). Retrieved March 22, 2011.</ref> Because of poor construction quality, many buildings need seismic reinforcement or renovation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iran-daily.com/1388/3372/html/ |title=Housing for All |access-date=August 11, 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615204328/http://iran-daily.com/1388/3372/html/ |archive-date=June 15, 2009 }}. ''Iran Daily'', April 13, 2009.</ref> Iran has a large [[List of dams and reservoirs in Iran|dam building industry]].<ref name=Dam>{{cite web|url=http://iran-daily.com/1385/2720/html/economy.htm |title=Simultaneous Dam, Spillways Construction Obligatory{{Snd}} 30% Drinking Water Wasted |access-date=November 29, 2006 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020011634/http://iran-daily.com/1385/2720/html/economy.htm |archive-date=October 20, 2007 }}. ''Iran Daily'', November 29, 2006.</ref>

==== Mines and metals ====
{{Main|Mining in Iran}}
[[File:Foolad Mobarakeh50.jpg|thumb|[[Mobarakeh Steel Co.|Mobarakeh]] in [[Isfahan]] is Iran's largest [[Mining in Iran#Stell|steel mill]] listed on the [[Tehran Stock Exchange]].<ref>[http://www.iranbourse.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=6bvhjROw2AI%3d&tabid=86&mid=429&forcedownload=true Monthly Bulletin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318122255/http://www.iranbourse.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=6bvhjROw2AI=&tabid=86&mid=429&forcedownload=true |date=March 18, 2012 }}. Tehran Stock Exchange (June 2010). Retrieved April 4, 2011.</ref>]]

Mineral production contributed 0.6% of the country's GDP in 2011,{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} a figure that increases to 4% when mining-related industries are included. Gating factors include poor infrastructure, legal barriers, exploration difficulties, and government control over all resources.<ref name="Austrade">{{cite web |url = http://www.austrade.gov.au/Mining-to-Iran/default.aspx |title = Mining to Iran |access-date = February 5, 2011 |year = 2007 |publisher = [[Australian Government]] |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080723094637/http://www.austrade.gov.au/Mining-to-Iran/default.aspx |archive-date = July 23, 2008 }}</ref> Iran is ranked among the world's 15 major mineral-rich countries.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.infomine.com/countries/iran.asp |title = Mining in Iran |publisher = InfoMine |access-date = October 18, 2011 }}</ref>

Although the petroleum industry provides the majority of revenue, about 75% of all mining sector employees work in mines producing minerals other than oil and natural gas.<ref name="Ministry of Commerce" /> These include coal, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromium, [[barite]], salt, [[gypsum]], [[molybdenum]], [[strontium]], [[silica]], uranium, and gold, the latter of which is mainly a by-product of the [[Sar Cheshmeh]] copper complex operation.<ref>Philip M. Mobbs (2004): [http://www.parstimes.com/library/mineral_industry_2004.pdf The mineral industry of Iran]. Parstimes. Retrieved February 3, 2011.</ref> The mine at Sar Cheshmeh in [[Kerman Province]] is home to the world's second largest store of copper.<ref>{{Cite book |last1 = Curtis |first1 = Glenn |url = https://archive.org/details/irancountrystudy00curt_2/page/167 |last2 = Hooglund |first2 = Eric |title = Iran, a country study |place = Washington, D.C., USA |publisher = [[Library of Congress]] |date = April 2008 |page = [https://archive.org/details/irancountrystudy00curt_2/page/167 167] |isbn = 978-0-8444-1187-3 }}</ref>
Large iron ore deposits exist in central Iran, near Bafq, [[Yazd]] and Kerman. The government owns 90% of all mines and related industries and is seeking foreign investment.<ref name="Austrade" /> The sector accounts for 3% of exports.<ref name="Austrade" />

In 2019, the country was the 2nd largest world producer of [[gypsum]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2021/mcs2021-gypsum.pdf|title=USGS Gypsum Production Statistics|website=Pubs.usgs.gov|access-date=November 12, 2021}}</ref> the 8th largest world producer of [[molybdenum]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2021/mcs2021-molybdenum.pdf|title=USGS Molybdenum Production Statistics|website=Pubs.usgs.gov|access-date=November 12, 2021}}</ref> the world's 8th largest producer of [[antimony]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2021/mcs2021-antimony.pdf|title=USGS Antimony Production Statistics|website=Pubs.usgs.gov|access-date=November 12, 2021}}</ref> the 11th largest world producer of [[iron ore]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2021/mcs2021-iron-ore.pdf|title=USGS Iron Ore Production Statistics|website=Pubs.usgs.gov|access-date=November 12, 2021}}</ref> the 18th largest world producer of [[sulfur]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2021/mcs2021-sulfur.pdf|title=USGS Sulfur Production Statistics|website=Pubs.usgs.gov|access-date=November 12, 2021}}</ref> in addition to being the 21st largest worldwide producer of [[table salt|salt]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2021/mcs2021-salt.pdf|title=USGS Salt Production Statistics|website=Pubs.usgs.gov|access-date=November 12, 2021}}</ref> It was the 13th largest producer in the world of [[uranium]] in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/mining-of-uranium/world-uranium-mining-production.aspx|title=World Uranium Mining - World Nuclear Association|website=World-nuclear.org|access-date=November 12, 2021}}</ref>

Iran has recoverable coal reserves of nearly 1.9 billion&nbsp;[[short ton]]nes. By mid-2008, the country produced about 1.3 million&nbsp;short tonnes of coal annually and consumed about 1.5 million&nbsp;short tonnes, making it a net importer.<ref name="Iran">{{Cite document |title = Energy and Electricity Forecast |publisher= [[Economist Intelligence Unit]] |year = 2008 }}</ref> The country plans to increase hard-coal production to 5 million&nbsp;tons in 2012 from 2 million&nbsp;tons in November 2008.<ref name="bloomberg.com">[https://archive.today/20120728131036/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601104&sid=a1rzkB_rOKok Iran Plans to Produce 250,000 Tons of Copper in Year to March]. Bloomberg, November 28, 2008. Retrieved November 28, 2008.</ref>

The main steel mills are located in Isfahan and [[Khuzestan]]. Iran became self-sufficient in steel in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nitc.co.ir/iran-daily/1388/3421/html/economy.htm |title=Steel Self-sufficiency |access-date=July 23, 2010 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414124724/http://www.nitc.co.ir/iran-daily/1388/3421/html/economy.htm |archive-date=April 14, 2011 }}. ''Iran Daily'', June 11, 2009.</ref> Aluminum and copper production are projected to hit 245,000 and 383,000&nbsp;tons respectively by March 2009.<ref name="bloomberg.com" /><ref name="ReferenceA" /> Cement production reached 65 million&nbsp;tons in 2009, exporting to 40 countries.<ref name="ReferenceA">[http://www.payvand.com/news/08/nov/1148.html Iran: $30 Billion Dollar to be invested in industry] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210031255/http://www.payvand.com/news/08/nov/1148.html |date=December 10, 2008 }}. IRNA, November 15, 2008. Retrieved November 15, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=213927 Iran exports cement to 40 countries]. ''Tehran Times'', February 8, 2010. Retrieved October 31, 2010.</ref>

==== Petrochemicals ====
{{Main|National Petrochemical Company}}
[[File:Iran Oil Products.jpg|right|thumb|[[National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company|Iran's refining capacity]] (2007–2013 est.)]]

Iran manufactures 60–70% of its equipment domestically, including refineries, oil tankers, drilling rigs, offshore platforms, and exploration instruments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nitc.co.ir/iran-daily/1387/3265/html/economy.htm |title=Dehloran Refinery Under Construction |access-date=July 23, 2010 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110329204835/http://www.nitc.co.ir/iran-daily/1387/3265/html/economy.htm |archive-date=March 29, 2011 }}. ''Iran Daily'', November 9, 2008.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://iran-daily.com/1386/2829/html/economy.htm |title=Company Advances In Energy Capabilities |access-date=February 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020011650/http://iran-daily.com/1386/2829/html/economy.htm |archive-date=October 20, 2007 }}. ''Iran Daily'', April 29, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://niordc.ir/index.aspx?siteid=77&pageid=973&newsview=6402 Iran Ready for Sudden Cut in Gas Supplies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309221859/http://niordc.ir/index.aspx?siteid=77&pageid=973&newsview=6402 |date=March 9, 2012 }}. [[Fars News Agency]], July 14, 2010. Retrieved July 26, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.shana.ir/155561-en.html Share of domestically made equipments on the rise] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309074817/http://www.shana.ir/155561-en.html |date=March 9, 2012 }}. SHANA, July 18, 2010. Retrieved July 26, 2010.</ref>

Based on a fertilizer plant in [[Shiraz]], the world's largest [[ethylene]] unit, in [[Asalouyeh]], and the completion of other [[National Iranian Petrochemical Company#Special industrial economic zones|special economic zone projects]], Iran's exports in petrochemicals reached $5.5 billion in 2007, $9 billion in 2008 and $7.6 billion during the first ten months of the [[Iranian calendar#Solar Hejri and Gregorian calendars|Iranian calendar year]] 2010.<ref>[http://www.shana.ir/165360-en.html Petrochemical Exports Pass $7 Billion] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110206013229/http://www.shana.ir/165360-en.html |date=February 6, 2011 }}. SHANA, January 31, 2011. Retrieved March 23, 2011.</ref> [[National Petrochemical Company]]'s output capacity will increase to over 100 million&nbsp;tpa by 2015 from an estimated 50 million&nbsp;tpa in 2010 thus becoming the world' second largest chemical producer globally after [[Dow Chemical]] with Iran housing some of the world's largest chemical complexes.<ref name=NIPC />
[[File:Jpg250210929-1120373.png|thumb|Giant gas [[Chemical reactor|reactor]] of Yadavaran gas refinery designed and manufactured by [[AzarAb Industries|AzarAb Industries Corporation]]]]
[[National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company|Major refineries]] located at [[Abadan, Iran|Abadan]] (site of its first refinery), Kermanshah and Tehran failed to meet domestic demand for gasoline in 2009. Iran's refining industry requires $15 billion in investment over the period 2007–2012 to become self-sufficient and end gasoline imports.<ref>[http://www.payvand.com/news/07/feb/1215.html Iran's oil refining industry needs dlrs 15b investment: Oil Minister] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015155554/http://www.payvand.com/news/07/feb/1215.html |date=October 15, 2008 }}. IRNA, February 17, 2007. Retrieved October 16, 2008.</ref> Iran has the fifth cheapest [[2007 Gasoline Rationing Plan in Iran#Prices in neighboring countries|gasoline prices in the world]] leading to [[2007 Gasoline Rationing Plan in Iran#Fuel smuggling|fuel smuggling with neighboring countries]].<ref>[http://www.turquoisepartners.com/iraninvestment/IIM-Jul14.pdf ''Iran Investment Monthly''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232555/http://www.turquoisepartners.com/iraninvestment/IIM-Jul14.pdf |date=March 3, 2016 }}. Turquoise Partners (July 2014). Retrieved August 16, 2014.</ref>

In November 2019, Iran raised the gasoline prices by 50% and imposed [[2007 Gasoline Rationing Plan in Iran|a strict rationing system]] again, as in 2007. The prices per liter gasoline rose to 15,000 rials, where only 60 liters were permitted to private cars for a month. Besides, oil purchase beyond the limit would cost 30,000 rials per liter. Those prices are still well below [[Iranian subsidy reform plan|target prices set in the subsidy reform plan]], however. The policy changes came in effect to the [[United States sanctions against Iran|US sanctions]], and caused protests across the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://truenewssource.com/2019/11/16/oil-price-hike-out-of-economic-crisis-result-in-protests-across-iran/|title=Oil Price Hike Out of Economic Crisis Result in Protests Across Iran|access-date=November 16, 2019|website=True News Source}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The result of the rationing, a year later, was reduced pollution and wasteful domestic consumption and increase in exports.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/454663/Iran-s-gasoline-rationing-scheme-from-policy-to-practice|title=Iran's gasoline rationing scheme: From policy to practice |work=Tehran Times |date=November 15, 2020}}</ref>