Iran’s Gas, Oil Production Not Affected by Coronavirus Outbreak: Official
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The deputy head of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) said the outbreak of the new coronavirus, known as COVID-19, has not affected the production of oil and gas in the country.
Speaking to Tasnim, Farokh Alikhani pointed to the meetings of a committee at the NIOC dealing with emergency situations and said its last session focused on financial support for containing the new coronavirus.
He added that so far, the coronavirus outbreak has been successfully controlled in the operational and staff areas of the country’s oil industry.
The NIOC deputy head went on to say that the coronavirus outbreak has not affected the production and distribution of oil and gas.
According to Iran’s Health Ministry, the death toll from the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran rose to 77 on Tuesday, with the confirmed cases of infection surpassing 2,336.
Medical staffs in 20 provinces of Iran have been working tirelessly over the past weeks to contain the novel coronavirus that has originated from China.
Following the increase of coronavirus increase, the Iranian government ordered the shutting of schools and universities and a ban on concerts and sports events.
Several high-ranking officials, including the deputy health minister and five lawmakers, have tested positive for the coronavirus as the spread of the outbreak forced the government to call on people to stay at home.