With implementation of new South Pars<\/a><\/strong> phases, Iran\u2019s ethane output will double as the country will be able to rival US in producing the main feedstock for petrochemical industry.<\/p>\n Ethane remains as one of the world\u2019s most strategic gas products which marks the main feedstock for petrochemical industries in various countries. A boost in ethane production and its conversion into various polymer and petrochemical products not only will lower raw sales but also will yield high value-added products usable in various industries.<\/p>\n Over the past two decades of development in South Pars<\/a><\/strong> joint field, he main focus has been always placed on recovering more natural gas and gas condensate as two main products to the extent that no ethane output has been envisaged for Phases 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 or 8.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Low ethane production figures in South Pars led to several difficulties in supplying feedstock to the country\u2019s petchem industries as the rise in ethane-based units in Assalouyeh, an unofficial quota has been defined for balanced supply of feedstock to the petrochemical industry.<\/p>\n Presently, Iran\u2019s ethane consumption capacity has mounted to about 5.250 million tons per year while the production figure for the strategic gas feedstock stood at only about three million tons.<\/p>\n On the other hand, the consumption figure for ethane is expected to experience a 4-4.1-million-ton rise and reach a total of nine million tons per year once ongoing petrochemical projects come on stream.<\/p>\n