"We were strongly dependent in the oil industry in the past due to a lack of control over technologies," but after hard work by Iranian experts and due to the pressures felt by the western sanctions we have come to a point that "we will celebrate independence in this (oil) sector in the near future", Qassemi said in Tehran on Wednesday.
"Today, no oil products are imported to the country and Iran will become the largest supplier of oil products," he added.
Qassemi also said that Iran's petrochemical production capacity will increase to 130mln tons a year after the construction of 70 new petrochemical units in the country ends.
In relevant remarks earlier this month, Qassemi said his ministry is after more breakthroughs this year.
Qassemi called the Department of Engineering and Supervision on the Oil Ministry's Plans as the capable arm of the ministry's subsidiaries for advancement of their development programs.
"The department plays a leading role in directing subsidiaries towards optimum implementation of petroleum ministry's plans including South Pars gas field projects."
Referring to achieving breakthroughs at South Pars gas field projects past year despite sanctions, Qassemi said, "With regard to the efforts which are being made, oil industry will attain more breakthroughs this year."
By the end of the fifth five-year development plan in 2015, oil production will rise by one million barrels per day, he said, and added boosting gas production was another priority of his ministry due to rising domestic gas consumption on one hand and starting marketing activities abroad on the other hand.
