Speaking Monday during a media visit to the Tous Gas Field, Malek Qanavati outlined the accelerated development timeline for the three young reservoirs. He noted that the last greenfield project in the company’s portfolio had been the Parsian Field in 2009. Following the establishment of the 14th government and directives from the oil minister and the CEO of the National Iranian Oil Company, the simultaneous development of the Dey, Khartang, and Tous fields was prioritized.

“Typically, developing a greenfield reservoir in Iran takes at least 48 months,” Qanavati said. “These three fields have reached or are on the verge of production in less than 16 months after the start of the 14th government.”

Increased Output at Dey and Khartang Fields

Regarding the Dey Gas Field, Qanavati said the field began production last year with an initial daily capacity of 2 million cubic meters. Its current daily output has risen to 3 million cubic meters.

He added that the Khartang Field is set to enter official production soon, with a daily capacity ranging from 3 to 4.5 million cubic meters.

On the Tous Gas Field, Qanavati described it as a key National Iranian Oil Company project aimed at boosting gas production in the northeast and reducing seasonal energy imbalances. The field is located in Razavi Khorasan Province, near the border region of Sarakhs.

Tous Gas Field Set to Join National Network

Qanavati said the Tous Field is the first greenfield reservoir in Iran’s northeast to come online after a roughly 40-year gap.

The project involves drilling and completing four gas wells, building surface facilities, and installing pipelines. Produced gas will first flow through a 6-inch pipeline to a collection center, then via a 40-kilometer, 16-inch pipeline to a measurement station at the entrance of the Shahid Hasheminejad Refinery, where it will be processed before entering the national gas network.

Drilling and Completion Progress

One well has been fully drilled, while the remaining three are in the final stages and will soon be completed and brought online. Completion includes installing tubing, downhole equipment, packers, acidizing if required, surface wellhead equipment (Christmas Tree), and conducting pressure and stabilization tests.

Qanavati noted that operational challenges, such as drilling mud losses at certain stages, were successfully managed using the expertise of local technical staff.

 Emphasis on Domestic Capability, Job Creation

A major feature of the Tos project, Qanavati said, is its full design and implementation by local contractors and personnel. All equipment and materials were sourced from domestic manufacturers, particularly from companies in the province, creating over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.

He added that despite sanctions and currency fluctuations that could have delayed the schedule, timely management and the use of domestic capacities kept the project on track.

The Tous Gas Field is also one of the most cost-effective greenfield developments in Iran, with an investment of approximately €120 million—about one-third the cost of comparable fields.

Role in Sustaining Northeast Gas Supply

Production from the Tous Field will help stabilize the supply for the Shahid Hasheminejad Refinery and provide gas to six northeastern provinces, including Razavi Khorasan, North Khorasan, South Khorasan, Semnan, and Golestan.

Alongside output from the Khangiran and Mazdaran fields and other regional sites, the Tos field will meet household, power plant, petrochemical, and refinery demand, while contributing to steady gas pressure across the northeast network.

Qanavati concluded by expressing hope that with continued government support, the accelerated development of young reservoirs and gas production infrastructure will further advance Iran’s strategic energy goals.