Mehdi Rashidzadeh, head of catalyst and nanotechnology research center of the Research Institute of Petroleum Industry, said aromatization catalyst production has been indigenized and its mass production will start soon.

He said that 90 tons a year of aromatization catalyst is planned to be produced in the country to feed petrochemical plants.

Rashidzadeh said this catalyst, whose production is assigned to Farayand Asia Exir Novin Company, will be also used in the reforming section of refineries.

Rashidzadeh said the catalyst value in the world markets exceeds 20 billion dollars.

He said RIPI has invested more than 20 million dollars in the production of catalyst whose consumption is expected to rise to 5,000 tons a year.

Rashidzadeh said RIPI has competent experts in catalysts and that more catalysts will be produced in the country if the necessary budget is earmarked by Petroleum Ministry.