Mystery Smoke Over Tabriz Traced to Petrochemical Plant Startup, Officials Say

According to Saed News, a visible column of white smoke drifting from the direction of the Tabriz Petrochemical Complex on Friday afternoon drew concern and speculation across the city. The smoke, which was widely photographed and shared on social media, prompted swift clarification from the facility’s public relations office.

In an official statement, the company confirmed that the smoke originated from the olefin unit of the complex, where major maintenance operations had just concluded. As part of the restart procedure, a process known as "flaring" was initiated—an industrial safety measure used to burn off excess gases during startup.

“Intermittent flaring is an unavoidable part of ensuring operational safety and system stability during unit commissioning,” the company said, emphasizing that no emergency or environmental hazard was involved.

The incident highlights the tension between industrial activities and public perception in densely populated urban areas. While flaring is a routine occurrence in petrochemical operations worldwide, its visual impact often unsettles nearby communities. Experts note that controlled flaring, though dramatic in appearance, is a necessary safeguard to prevent more dangerous gas buildups.

Despite reassurances, the event has reignited debates over environmental transparency and communication protocols between heavy industries and the public in Iran’s urban centers.