TEHRAN: An Iranian energy official unveiled plans for a major boost to the export of gas through the country’s western distribution network, describing a rise in the pipeline capacity as part of a project to increase gas exports to Iraq, Turkey and Europe.
Speaking to Tasnim on Sunday, Iranian Gas Engineering and Development Company Managing Director Hassan Montazer Torbati said plans have been formulated to develop the gas supply network in west of the country to boost exports to the Iraqi cities of Basra and Baghdad.
A planned rise in the capacity of gas transfer would result in a rise in exports to Turkey, the official noted, adding that exports to Europe are also on the agenda.
The capacity of Iran’s western gas network should outstrip that of a domestic distribution line, he added.
In November, CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) said the country’s exports of natural gas to Iraq will increase during the spring and summer of 2018.
Tehran and Baghdad signed a deal on the exports of natural gas from the giant South Pars Gas Field in 2013. Under the deal, the Iranian gas is delivered to Sadr, Baghdad and al-Mansouryah power plants in Iraq through a 270-kilometer pipeline.
Also in October, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the European nations can rely on Iran to supply their energy demands.
Iran sits on the world’s fourth-largest oil and second-largest gas reserves, and is among the world’s top 10 oil and top five natural gas producers.
