Iran’s Use of Polluting Fuel Oil Tripled in Six Years, Leaked Report Shows
Iran’s domestic consumption of mazut — one of the dirtiest fossil fuels — has more than tripled in the past six years, according to a classified Oil Ministry report obtained by Iran Open Data.
Why it matters:
Mazut, a high-sulfur fuel oil, is so polluting that it exceeds even coal in emissions. Its sulfur content — around 3.5% — is nearly seven times higher than international shipping fuel standards, making it nearly unsellable abroad. As a result, Iran burns most of its mazut domestically in power plants and urban industries.
By the numbers:
- Iran’s daily mazut consumption rose from 14 million liters in 2017 to over 43 million liters in 2024.
- In the same period, domestic use of cleaner fuels like LPG and kerosene fell sharply — even as exports of these fuels surged.
- Around 30% of crude oil processed in Iranian refineries is converted into mazut and bitumen — nearly eight times the global average of 4%.
- The Abadan refinery, Iran’s oldest, has the highest output of heavy fuels, with 44% of its crude converted into mazut and bitumen.
- Shazand refinery performs better but still converts 18% of its intake — over four times the international benchmark.
The big picture:
A 2024 parliamentary research report warned that each liter of mazut emits four times more sulfur dioxide (SO₂) than diesel and over 1,200 times more than natural gas. SO₂ is a major air pollutant linked to respiratory diseases and acid rain.
Context:
- Despite a previous plan under the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) to modernize refineries and reduce mazut production to below 10%, U.S. sanctions reimposed after the 2018 withdrawal halted all foreign collaboration.
- Data from the commodity intelligence firm Kpler shows a decline in mazut exports, while LPG exports — a cleaner alternative — have sharply increased.
The government’s push for hard currency through fuel exports is clashing with domestic environmental needs, potentially creating long-term public health and infrastructure costs.
