Iran launches gas exports to Iraq

Iran

TEHRAN, June 22, 2017 – Iran has begun piped exports of natural gas to Iraq, a key step forward after years of efforts to launch a new gas corridor between the two countries.

Amir Hossein Zamaninia, Iran’s deputy oil minister for trade and international affairs, told state news agency IRNA on Wednesday that gas volumes of 7 mcm (247 mcf) per day had been launched.

Flows in the pipeline, destined to feed power stations in Iraq, are expected to rise to 35 mcm (1.24 bcf) per day.

A gas export deal between the neighbouring countries was struck in 2013, but the project has faced years of delays, with officials citing the security situation in Iraq as a factor.

Expanding gas exports has been a top priority for Iran as the country grows its production. Five phases of the super-giant South Pars gasfield have been brought on line in 2017, adding 150 mcm (5.3 bcf) to daily output.

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