Europe Seeks to Import Gas from Iran: NIGC Chief
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The chief executive of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) for gas affairs said that the country’s gas exports have increased and that Europe is seeking to import gas from Iran.
Majid Chegeni made the comment on Sunday ahead of Government Week (August 24-30), adding that Iran’s productions of natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have jumped by 16 and 22 percent since the beginning of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 21, 2023), respectively.
According to the latest OPEC Annual Statistical Bulletin (ASB), he continued, Iran’s natural gas exports hit 18.43 and 18.79 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2021 and 2022 respectively, showing an over 60-percent growth when compared to the figure in 2020, SHANA reported.
The hikes in gas exports during the past two years were recorded while Iran faced gas imbalance in winter 2021, Chegeni stated, adding that the country, however, not only exported gas as stipulated in the contracts, but also it has boosted the annual volumes.
Touching upon Europe’s energy need, he pointed out that European states have held talks with Iran on importing gas through Turkey, adding that their negotiations have yet to come to fruition.
Chegeni also said that the extension of the contract on exporting gas to Iraq will be finalized soon.
Turkey is also willing to extend its gas contract with Iran, he stated, noting that gas talks on exports to Oman, revival of the contract with Pakistan, and trade with Russia are ongoing.
Pointing to a gas swap deal with Turkmenistan, the deputy oil minister said the volume of gas Iran receives from this country has soared to eight million cubic meters per day from 4.5 mcm/d following the settlement of Iran’s debt in three installments.