Iranian Journal of Trade Studies

Iranian Journal of Trade Studies

Designing an Export Model for Petroleum Products to Afghanistan

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Hasan Pourali 1
Ali Hosseinzade 2
HODA Jannesarahmadi 3
1 Ph.D.Candidate in business management- marketing, faculty of management Azad University, Torbat-e-heydarieh, Iran. hpourali@alumni.ut.ac.ir.
2 2. Assistant Prof., Faculty of management Azad University, Torbat-e-heydarieh, Iran
3 3. Assistant Prof., Faculty of management Azad University, Torbat-e-Jam, Iran
10.22034/ijts.2025.2060455.4141
Abstract
Exporting petroleum products is one of the most effective strategies for reducing reliance on crude oil sales and generating added value. Despite Afghanistan's substantial demand for these products, Iran's exports to this market have lacked a structured and optimized model. Moreover, inconsistent supply has led to suboptimal market utilization, weakening Iran's competitive position against rival suppliers.
This study employs a qualitative methodology utilizing the grounded theory approach of  Strauss and Corbin, to design and propose an optimized model for exporting petroleum products to Afghanistan. Data were collected through library research and in-depth interviews with 13 industry experts, including government officials, private-sector managers, and Iranian and Afghan petroleum export traders.
The findings identify key categories across various dimensions of the model, offering a fresh perspective on petroleum product exports to Afghanistan. The findings indicate that the core of the model is formed by two critical yet previously neglected aspects in Iran's export methods: continuous supply and strategic pricing. Additionally, leveraging the capabilities of Iran’s private sector is a fundamental pillar of the model, aiming to capture a larger share of Afghan demand while strengthening Iran’s market position.
Ultimately, this research contributes to the expansion of petroleum product exports to Afghanistan, thereby reinforcing Iran’s position in the competitive Afghan market.
 
Keywords
Afghanistan
Export Development
Export of Petroleum Products
Grounded theory

Subjects

 
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  • Receive Date 12 May 2025
  • Revise Date 10 September 2025
  • Accept Date 28 September 2025