Naft-e-Pars, also known as Pars Oil Co. (Mash'al June 2001), is the largest private producer of oil lubricants in Iran (Chem Industry.com 1999-2000; NEDA Network 2001). It began its activities in 1958 with the opening of a refinery near Tehran (ibid.). In 1962 Pars Oil Co. signed an agreement with M/S Shell oil company enabling it to sell its products under the Shell label (ibid). The company has been producing marine lubricants under a Shell licence since 1994 (ibid.). The company also produces engine oils, gear oils, industrial lubricants, different kinds of greases, brake fluids and furfural extract (ibid.).

No information on whether Naft-e-Pars revokes the right to own and/or to operate a franchise from perceived opponents of the Iranian government could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Chem Industry.com. 1999-2000. "Chemical Companies in Iran." http://www.chemindustry.com/popular/I/Iran.asp [Accessed 16 Jan. 2002]

Mash'al; IRI Oil Ministry Newsletter [Teheran]. June 2001. No. 2000. "Shell an International company With a Iranian Heart." Net Iran.com. http://www.netiran.com/Htdocs/Clippings/Feconomy/010628XXFE01.html [Accessed 16 Jan. 2002]

NEDA Network. 2001. "Pars Oil Co." http://www.neda.net/parsoil/intro.html [Accessed 16 Jan. 2002]

IRB databases

LEXIS/NEXIS

Internet sources including:

Alexander's Oil and Gas Directory

IranMania

World News Connection (WNC)