Petroleum Business Review

Abstract It is generally believed that macroeconomic and financial performance in oil exporting countries is interlinked to oil price movements. Regarding that assumption, the present study aims to examine the impact of oil price movements on bank nonperforming loans (NPLs) ,as a criterion for evaluation of bank credit risk, by applying the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) on data from 18 Iranian banks data over period 2006–2017. The result of the estimated model indicates that there is a significant relation between fluctuations of oil price and bank nonperforming loans; accordingly, any decrease in the price of oil will result in an increase in bank nonperforming loans. Also, in order to have comprehensive assessment, economic and bank specific control variables were used in the model. Findings show that the NPLs ratio increases as economic growth decreases and exchange rate and real interest rates rise. Among bank specific factors, equity ratio as a criterion for efficiency and loan growth has a negative effect on NPLs, but by raising bank industry concentration, credit risk and financial stability can be threatened. Thus, the reliance of oil rich economies on oil incomes leads to the linkage of oil prices, and macroeconomic and financial performance. Therefore, the result of this study will be useful in adapting and diversifying macroeconomic policies in the face of drastic changes in oil prices and mitigating its adverse effects.

Abstract The present research seeks to assess the relationship between the Individual value system and decision-making styles. The statistical population (190 people) consists of Pars Special Economic Energy Zone (PSEEZ) Organization managers who were assessed using the Census Method. The Myers and Myers cognitive demographic and value systems questionnaire and Scott and Bruce’s decision-making questionnaire were used with a response rate of 90%.. Data was analyzed with the SPSS and Smart Planning softwares. It was found that the dominant Individual value system is success-oriented, followed respectively by system-oriented, realistic, tribal, community-oriented, and autocentric.Also, the dominant decision-making style in the statistical population is rational, followed by intuitive, dependent, avoidant, and spontaneous decision-making styles respectively. It was also concluded that success-oriented and tribal value systems had the most significant relationship with decision-making styles and the community-oriented value system the least. Only the individual variables of race (ethnicity) and field of study had a significant relationship with the Individual value system. The other personal and organizational variables had no significant relationship with the Individual value system. Creating motivation and a sense of employee participation in the future of the organization is proposed as the most important way of improving the value system of the statistical population so that the tendency to make spontaneous decisions can lean more towards making rational decisions to the same extent. Investigating the relationship between decision-making styles is another effective topic in improving these in an organization and is thus recommended to other researchers in the field.

Abstract Iran's Ministry of Petroleum due to empowerment of Iranian companies for executing local mega projects, regional and international markets penetration and upgrading national technology in petroleum upstream industry, predicted a competent Iranian partner called Exploration and Production (E&P) companies, for cooperating with the International Oil Company (IOC) in Article Four of the Cabinet Approval. Now considering the absence of IOCs, it seems that the capacity of other oil contract models to be used by Iranian oil companies should be examined. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of Concession agreements’ execution, by an E&P company in Iran’s upstream industry. The research method is descriptive and analytical and governing laws of Iran are reviewed in this study. Since the host government makes the final decision on the conduct of oil operations, it cannot be described as domination of oil resources, and therefore does not seriously contradict the Iran’s Constitution. Furthermore, E&P companies will not be subject to Article 81 of the Constitution. In the Oil Laws, the only restriction on the inflow of foreign capital in the upstream industry of Iran has been observed, which again does not apply to E&P companies. In the Laws of the Five-Year Plans, this restriction of oil laws has been adjusted too much in which it seems that the restriction has also been removed for IOCs. Finally, the investigation shows that there are no major legal barriers in applying Concession agreement in case that the operator is an Iranian E&P company.

Abstract It is imperative to acknowledge the ongoing significance of oil and gas in the global economy, despite the global initiative to transition to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal power, which are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Following the lifting of sanctions by the United Nations and the European Union, Iran is actively pursuing capital, funding, advanced technologies, and expertise from both domestic and international sources to develop their oil and gas fields. The buyback upstream oil and gas contract, which is implemented in Iran, is an unattractive contract for contractors due to its substantial risks. Analyzing the primary risky events associated with buy back contracts is the primary objective of this study, as it has rendered this contract unappealing to contractors. In order to identify and monitor all contractual and non-contractual risks associated with buy back contracts, a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies is implemented. The main objective of the study is to offer investors valuable insights into the potential risks associated with upstream oil and gas buy back contracts and to aid the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) in effectively responding to and monitoring these risks.

Abstract This study investigates the multifaceted challenges of implementing digital transformation within Iranian oil and gas companies, focusing on organizational barriers and managerial solutions. Despite the global momentum toward digitalization, Iran’s oil and gas sector faces unique obstacles, including resistance to change, skill gaps, legacy infrastructure, and insufficient alignment between technology providers and large enterprises. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we conducted a survey of 210 managers and IT professionals across upstream and downstream organizations, complemented by in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to identify and validate critical barriers and their interrelations. Findings reveal that organizational inertia, lack of digital competencies, and inadequate investment in digital infrastructure are the most significant impediments, while leadership commitment and targeted training programs emerge as effective managerial remedies. The study contributes actionable insights for policymakers and executives by outlining a roadmap for overcoming digital transformation hurdles and achieving sustainable competitive advantage. The results underscore the necessity of a holistic strategy integrating technological, human, and process dimensions to facilitate successful digital transformation in Iran’s oil and gas industry.

Abstract Purpose and necessity of research: The main issue of this research emerged when a considerable amount of strategy formulation in various petroleum companies in Iran was considered, where documents followed the classical patterns such as the David model of strategy formulation in the prescriptive–consecutive paradigm, with no face of the environmental approaches to conducting the planning process of strategy formulation. In this article, we suggest the pattern of Reeves, Hannes, and Sinha (2015) to choose and execute the right approach for the strategy formulation of National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC). Research methodology: This research is developmental, explanatory, and quantifiable, and the research strategy is surveyed. By its application, the information needed to determine the degree of NIOC environmental strategic dimensions and the prioritization of different patterns of strategy formulation in NIOC were achieved. Research findings: The shared value strategy shaped NIOC as the oil and gas industry leader in the various domestic industries and, above all, into the international market as the OPEC joint partner. NIOC organizational culture adapted the shared value strategy according to creation, leadership, and membership in the share of crude export with OPEC and non-OPEC collaboration during the ages. Therefore, NIOC should craft the shared value strategy for the niches of oil and gas markets. 

Abstract The price of Crude Oil is Exposed to Various Factors That Cause Random, Sudden and Chaotic Price Fluctuations. Accurate Forecasting of Oil Prices Has a Central Impact on The Macro Economy. The aim of This Study is to Predict the Fluctuations of OPEC Crude Oil in The  long-term Using Chaos Theory and GMDH-GA Algorithm. First, the Daily Oil Price Time Series is Decomposed by Wavelet Transformation. Then, Chaos is Tested Using Embedding Dimension, Lyapunov Power and GA tests. Finally, Time Series Noises are Reduced by Reconstructing the Wavelet Phase Space. Three Nonlinear Models, GMDH-GA model, GMDH-GA Wavelet Model, and GMDH-GA Extended Model, Were Used to Forecast Time Series. Although the Results Showed that All three Models are Favorable in Terms of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Correlation Coefficient, But the Developed GMDH-GA  Neural Network Model with low RMSE and High Correlation Coefficient is the Most Effective in Predicting the Daily Price of OPEC Crude Oil. has it.

Abstract Many organizations in the power and energy sector rely on research and development (R&D) projects to achieve their strategic goals. Given the simultaneous execution of multiple projects, managing R&D portfolios effectively has become an essential capability for adapting to environmental changes and maintaining competitive advantage. This study aims to present a model that identifies and prioritizes the factors influencing R&D portfolio management in the energy sector. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research integrates qualitative data collected through interviews with fifteen experts in the energy sector—analyzed using grounded theory via MAXQDA 2020—with quantitative data from 134 managers and experts, analyzed using Smart PLS V.3. In the qualitative phase, 105 codes were categorized into six dimensions, with 17 codes excluded during factor analysis, resulting in a validated model comprising 88 codes across six dimensions. The proposed model emphasizes critical factors such as project selection, project evaluation, project definition, budget allocation, portfolio analysis, and addressing challenges in portfolio integration. By balancing these dimensions, the model aims to reduce risks, optimize resource allocation, and enhance the probability of commercial success for R&D projects. This study offers new insights into R&D portfolio management in the Iranian energy industry, addressing the unique challenges of this sector. It provides a systematic framework for selecting, evaluating, and balancing R&D projects while aligning with organizational strategies to ensure the effective commercialization of research outcomes. The findings also stress the importance of integrating local investment in R&D to drive technological innovation and sustainable economic development in the energy sector.

Abstract Income distribution and environmental destruction represent two of the most important goals in the Sustainable Development Goals. However, the linkage between income inequality and carbon emissions remains controversial especially in countries with natural oil and gas resources. This paper studies the link between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and income inequality in Iran over 1985–2020. The modelling results indicate that there is a trade-off between income inequality and CO2 emissions. By applying the Vector Auto regression approach found a direct relationship between Gini coefficient and CO2 emissions and indirect relationship between petrol price and CO2 emissions. Petrol price have a smaller although negative impact on CO2 emissions compared to the positive effect of inequality. To investigate the effect of shocks, Impulse response checked out. According to the variance decomposition, income inequality after carbon dioxide emissions is the most explanatory change in gas emissions among other variables. This paper presents a positive effect of petrol price shocks on carbon dioxide emissions, and also negative effect on carbon dioxide emissions in long term.

Abstract By intensifying sanctions against Islamic Republic of Iran, identification and development of mechanisms to sell crude oil has gained attention among most experts and oil industry activists. Limitations for financial transactions and settlements are one of the fundamental challenges in international oil transactions; thus, various solutions are proposed to solve the limitation. Using capability of virtual currencies is one of the proposed suggestions for petroleum transaction under sanctions but there is a research gap in finding whether and which one of these currencies are able to be used in petroleum transactions in present condition. In this study, performed by analysis and quantitative approach, indices are introduced for choosing a valid currency for international transactions, and subsequently are confirmed by experts. The indices are ranked by the experts through TOPSIS method and are studied on the most suitable virtual currencies to find the best suit for petroleum transactions. The results reveal that Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether are respectively the best, second and third choice for this end. It is noteworthy that some experts might believe the virtual currency market size may not meet the high volume of crude oil transactions, making it unsuitable. Although current study has shown that there would be no problem in covering the whole petroleum market for Iran’s crude oil by virtual currencies platform, if the concerns remain, virtual currency platform could be used for selling Iran’s crude oil temporarily and partially through various channels.

Abstract The recent surge of artificial-intelligence (AI) activity has sparked concern that large-scale model training, cloud inference, and data-centre expansion could accelerate national energy demand. We marshal a 21-year annual panel for the United States (2004–2024) that couples multiple AI proxies—technology-stock valuations and a ChatGPT-era dummy—with four aggregate energy series (fossil fuels, nuclear, renewables, total primary energy). A five-stage empirical protocol implemented in Python combines Engle–Granger cointegration testing, higher-order ADF stationarity checks, linear and nonlinear dependence diagnostics (Pearson, Dynamic Time Warping, mutual information), multicollinearity screening (variance-inflation factors), and out-of-sample forecasting with linear regression, decision trees, random forests, and support-vector machines augmented by SHAP explainability. Across all tests we find no evidence that AI developments imprint on national energy use: AI variables cointegrate only with one another, their short-run correlations with energy vanish once trends are removed, their mutual-information scores remain near zero, and their inclusion never improves predictive accuracy beyond a parsimonious macro model driven by GDP, inflation, and population. SHAP rankings confirm that AI features carry negligible explanatory weight relative to conventional fundamentals. We conclude that, to date, AI’s macro-level energy footprint is statistically invisible—any electricity it consumes is either too small or offset by efficiency gains within the wider economy. Policymakers should therefore continue to anchor long-range energy scenarios to established economic drivers while monitoring localised data-centre hotspots that national aggregates obscure.

Abstract It has always been a challenging question for financial analysts, investors and activists in the capital market that what factors affect stock price of companies. Furthermore, how such factors cause stock price fluctuations over time in the capital markets. Therefore, the aim of this research is to determine the effects of key contingent variables such as changes on equity, credit rating and assets price growth on stock prices volatility of petroleum companies listed on Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). Financial data for the purpose of this study were collected from a sample of 91 companies during a period of eight years from 1392 till 1399 and research hypotheses were tested using the multivariate regression models and ordering panel data with fixed effects tests. Results showed a significant negative relationship between credit rating and stock price volatility. But, there was no significant correlation between changes on equity and stock price volatility. Also, there was not a significant relationship between assets price growth and stock price volatility.

Abstract Energy is a strategic commodity and ensuring its stable supply is considered an important issue for governments. Oil and gas, as the two main sources of energy, have played a serious role in the world's energy supply in the last century, and statistics show that these sources, especially gas, will continue to play a serious role in the world economy in the next few decades (History). Meanwhile, general energy policies can be examined as one of the extracts of Imam Khamenei's political-economic thought and the challenges and opportunities (issue). The main question of the article is: What is the place of general energy policies in the political-economic thought of Imam Khamenei and why did some address it? For this purpose, descriptive-analytical method and reference to related documents have been used (method). The result is that from this point of view, Imam Khamenei was able to intelligently guide different managers and governments towards using the general policies in order to manage and rebuild the country's economy in a way that is not influenced by foreign impulses. However, in this framework, the country has also faced some problems (result).

Abstract Any definition of national interests and the means of securing and protecting them by governments will have their own practical and strategic requirements on domestic and foreign policy. In the meantime, security has always been defined as one of the vital needs and goals of countries and has been pursued as an important priority in the national interest in various ways. Ensuring energy security, especially oil security, from extraction to transfer, exchange and sale, is considered as economic lifeblood for a country like Iran, which faced a serious challenge with the emergence and spread of Takfiri terrorism in Syria and Iraq; While Iran has been deprived from oil selling advantages in world markets, ISIS benefited more and more from oil smuggling in dark markets, earning weekly such an income ranging from “several million” to US$28 million (in 2014- 2015). The purpose of this paper is to answer this question: how did Iran react to Terrorism threat in Middle East to ensure its own oil security and that of region? We suppose that, the strategy of the Islamic Republic of Iran against these conditions, in addition to its revolutionary commitment to supporting liberation movements and oppressed nations, as well as the necessity in protecting Iran’s strategic depth in West, was to expand the doctrinal core of Mehvar e Moqamevah (Axis of resistance) to the political, economic and military spheres. This assumption studied in this article with a descriptive-analytical approach, in the context of the Copenhagen School, particularly, the idea of the Bari-Buzan and Elie Weaver regional security complex.

Abstract The compilation of a list of disqualified entities by NIOC serves as both a supervisory and deterrent mechanism to prevent violations and mitigate legal and financial risks associated with high-risk contracts. This directive has been designed with the objective of enhancing the integrity of the tendering process, ensuring fair competition, enforcing regulations governing public procurement and governmental transactions, and guaranteeing that work is not repeatedly delegated to companies that have demonstrated an unsatisfactory performance history in prior projects. However, an exclusive focus on the legal personality of companies may reduce the deterrent effect, as offending entities may continue their activities under subsidiary or shell companies.
This study proposes the inclusion of the managing director and members of the board of directors—as the key natural persons influencing a company’s decision-making—alongside the legal entity itself in the blacklist of disqualified contractors, presenting this measure as a practical and low-cost approach to enhancing the effectiveness of the disqualification system. Using a descriptive–analytical method, the research reviews the current directive, outlines the legal foundations of managerial accountability, and evaluates both the feasibility and effectiveness of this proposed reform, while also addressing the practical and legal challenges associated with piercing the corporate veil. The findings indicate that extending the disqualification list to relevant individuals can meaningfully strengthen the deterrent function of the existing supervisory mechanism

Abstract Several studies in the field of capital markets indicate that changes in macroeconomic parameters, including crude oil price changes in many cases, have significant effects on capital market indexes. The present study seeks to investigate the effect of crude oil price changes on the indexes of Tehran Stock Exchange and Saudi Stock Exchange also known as The Tadawul Exchange using the two-factor capital asset pricing model with samples gathered from years 2016-2022 from both markets. The results of the study show that, both markets are relatively sensitive to the oil price index and despite severe economic sanctions imposed on Iran, Its capital market, having more significantly oil-related indexes, is still more oil-dependent than that of Saudi Arabia. The results also suggest the asymmetric relation with oil price movements in both countries due to their oil-exporting nature where both markets are more sensitive to negative oil price movements rather than its positive ones. Also, it is concluded that due to the diversity of industries in Tehran Stock Exchange, the economic sanctions imposed on Iran have a more directed impact on its capital market rather than affecting it through a mediator parameter such as oil price movements.

Abstract The organizational capital is one of the important components of the intellectual capital. the organizational capital is an infrastructure in term of organizational successes so that it plays a vital role in achieving the goals of organization. Managing and directing “Organizational Capital” entails identification and measurement of its attributes. Although the literature on the intellectual capital is rich, the review shows that few researches have studied the organizational capital models and the related attributes. Hence, at first, this study aims to collect the organizational capital attributes through reviewing the literature and classify them as a comprehensive model. Then, a Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) approach in uncertanity situation has been utilized in order to prioritize and rank the classified attributes by gathering the opinions of experts. In this study, the Grey systems theory has been used for the first time as a method to deal with uncertainty inherent in the in the organizational capital measurement. Whereas the presented comprehensive model can be applied in different situations and industries, it seems that this model may have different attribute weights with regard to the nature of organizations’ activity and internal and external conditions of the specified industry. Finally, the proposed methodology has been utilized in the petroleum industry in Iran and prioritization procedure and ranking results have been illustrated step by step.

Abstract Since a major part of Iran petrochemical base products has been considered for export, it is essential and inevitable to consider international markets so as to examine the economic conditions of petrochemical development projects. The aim of the current work is to offer appropriate solutions to the facing challenges and to the development of innovation management model in the petrochemical companies producing polyethylene products and approaching new polyethylene goods. Data collection was conducted using the library and field studies; after taking these steps, 58 main indicators were considered by experts’ through screening among 130 extracted indices. Based on these indicators, a final questionnaire was designed by Likert scale and distributed. Finally, after receiving the comments of 105 managers and experts in 5 different petrochemical companies producing polyethylene on these indicators, the data were collected, and the research model was fitted using a structural equation and Smart PLS software. After fitting, 29 indices, 2 factors, and 6 dimensions were accepted for designing the model. The general dimension was composed of economic, organizational, regulatory, and supervision factors, while the specific dimension was formed of technological, technical, marketing, and systemic factors. According to the research conducted for successful innovation management, considering all the above-mentioned points is necessary in petrochemical companies producing polyethylene products.
 

Abstract Today for installations management in equipment-based industries, such as oil and gas industry, the physical asset management development based on the ISO-55000 requirements is generally the most common issue in the world and particularly in Iran. Since this standard only expresses the requirements, many physical asset management excellence models have been designed by researchers or research institutes around the world to develop and strengthen physical asset management. Therefore, due to the diversity of models, organizations face problems of choosing a suitable model. Based on this issue, the main purpose and innovation of this work is evaluating and prioritizing popular and sometimes reference physical asset management excellence models according to 6 critical criteria based on DEMATEL and ANP techniques. Cost, risk, performance, sustainability, simplicity, and knowledge were identified as the critical criteria. First, 4 criteria were taken from the ISO-55000, and 2 critical criteria were then identified through interviewing oil and gas experts. The approach of this research is quantitative, and the method of data collection is descriptive-survey. Uptime, Institute of Asset Management (IAM), life cycle engineering (LCE), and asset integrity management (AIM) models are the main popular and/or reference physical asset management excellence models in the world. The finding shows that the IAM, LCE, AIM, and uptime models are respectively prioritized based on these critical criteria.
Keywords: Physical Asset Management Excellence Model, ISO-55000 Standard Series, DMATEL, ANP

Abstract As projects increase in size and complexity, they become more difficult to handle. One of these large and complex projects is oil and gas projects. The current controlling processes of projects are not able to detect the problems in early phases of the project and are rather late leading to extra time and cost. One solution is to find symptoms of problems in the early phases. Due to the importance of drilling projects in upstream sector, the main objective of this research is to identify the early warning symptoms of problems in drilling projects and to find the relationships between selected early warnings with project outcomes and problems of these projects. To reach that aim, the early warnings have been recognized through literature review and interviews with experts. Then, case study analysis is performed to find the relationships between early warnings and project outcomes. All cases have been selected from previous completed drilling projects in one of the oil fields of Iran. Findings show that there is a relationship between early warnings, project outcomes and projects problems.

Abstract Due to the importance of technology and innovation in the oil industry, it is necessary to look more closely at the intellectual property of this industry. Intellectual capital is a concept that can classify and report the technology capabilities and knowledge spillover in a comparative format. The present research is aimed at providing an appropriate framework for reporting intellectual capital in oil industry companies. For this research, semi-structured interviews have been done with 15 experts and people from petrochemical and petroleum companies with intellectual and experiential thinking space. After the interview, the relevant texts were analyzed by the thematic analysis method. Finally, the intellectual capital reporting framework was extracted as a qualitative research product. Then, a questionnaire was designed to assess the acceptance of the qualitative model, which was distributed among the statistical community consisting of professors and PhD students and experts of different universities and companies. The results of the distributed questionnaire showed that the components of the framework were approved by the respondents.

Abstract Entering today’s competitive world, most businesses, especially small and medium-sized businesses (SMSs), have been overwhelmed and frustrated by the monopoly structures of developing economies most of the time because of the recession and the sanctions of powerful countries. The intensity of this tension has increased several times. Thus, the need to focus on entrepreneurial orientation as a strategic principle will be a way to improve and develop these businesses effectively in the economies of societies, especially developing societies such as our society. The purpose of this research is designing a total interpretive structural model (TISM)of the entrepreneurial orientation of SMEs in oil industry. In this qualitative and quantitative methodology, five university experts in the field of entrepreneurship participated in the meta-analysis and Delphi field to identify the research components and propositions from the same research and to reach competence. The identified component theory and propositions were analyzed by Delphi analysis. In the quantitative part, with the participation of 25 managers of SMEs in oil industry and using matrix questionnaires, the identified propositions were stratified into a range of the most influential propositions to the least effective ones. The results of the qualitative analysis section revealed the existence of three main components based on 15 statements. According to the findings in the quantitative section, technologically, the most influential causes in the oriented SMEs in oil industry are the entrepreneurial businesses.

Abstract This study aims to design and explain the online advertising model with an image-based marketing approach. In this regard, while reviewing the concepts of online advertising, image-based marketing (GIF marketing), and tourism using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, we designed and explained the online advertising model with the GIF marketing approach in Iran’s oil and gas industrial tourism hubs. The research strategy includes a combined qualitative study of the content analysis, grounded theory, and Delphi analysis, and a quantitative study in the survey. The study population in the qualitative part includes experts in advertising focusing on the tourism industry, and in the quantitative part, all tourists are in Iran’s oil and gas industrial tourism hubs. Regular test and confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling tests confirmed the components and model. The results showed that the components (causal factors, contexts, and outputs) of an online advertising model with GIF marketing approach in oil and gas industrial tourism hubs are in order of priority: 1- message acceptance, 2- international tourism growth, 3- motivation for acceptance, 4- Information technology, 5- advertising website design, 6- GIF attractiveness, 7- online shopping intention, 8- competitive environment, 9- attitude and perception, 10- GIF content and value, and 11- social networks. In order to conduct open interviews and coding, we finally extracted 62 indicators. The results of model validation and model overall fit index (GOF), which has a value of 0.794, showed that the overall fit of the model is desirable, and as a result, the overall model is valid and approved. Further, in the Q2 index, positive numbers showed more than 0.35, which showed the high predictive power of the model.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to compare the stringency of and compliance with environmental requirements in the upstream sector of oil and gas in law of Iran and the USA. This study is conducted using the mixed entanglement method (qualitative–quantitative). In the qualitative part, library studies are used. In the quantitative part, the studied society is a group of six professionals in the field of oil and gas, who filled out a questionnaire consisted of 34 questions prepared by the Worley Parsons[1] in a similar research approved by the jurisdictions of 10 countries. The questions are prepared by a team of experts with international experience. The components of stringency of and compliance with law during the phases of approval, operation, and closure of a hydrocarbon project are studied using the Delphi method. At the level of stringency, the environmental assessment in the US is carried out with human resources and costs 10 and 26 times more than those in Iran. The US, with 13 scores, is more stringent than Iran with 5 scores. In the project closure phase, Iran does not impose any obligations for rehabilitation and restoration. At the level of compliance, the construction environmental management plan (CEMP) is mandatory in both countries. In Iran, the list of violations and their consequences will not be published. The US regulatory mechanisms of restoration are an appropriate model. On the whole, Iran gains 29 scores, and the United States obtains 42 scores. The recommendations are based on these two scores.
[1]https://www.medicinehat.ca/home/showdocument?id=11659

Abstract The goal of this paper is to study the effect of Covid-19 outbreak on oil markets volatility.Covid-19 as a pandemic has a significant negative effect on global economy.  Alongside the global economy, stock markets responded to the outbreak immediately. The first case appeared in February 20 in Iran.  The outbreak has different implication for Iranian economy. Using daily data on return of oil companies registered at Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE), change in new cases integrated into the E-GARCH model as a proxy for the virus outbreak form February 20, 2020 until December 12, 2020, it applies an E-GARCH model to derive volatilities in index. To test the effect of Covid-19 outbreak on the volatilities in oil companies’ index, change in daily new cases integrated into the E-GARCH model as a proxy for the virus outbreak. The results show that, despite of fresh money pumped into the market and increase in market transactions and volume of trade, during the first phase of outbreak, Covid-19 has negatively affected returns of oil companies’ prices.