Ehsan Mohammadi noted that once the field becomes operational, it will add roughly 14 million cubic meters of gas per day to the country's production capacity, helping offset part of the national gas shortfall.

Mohammadi stated that overall project progress has now reached about 42 percent. He explained that two of the project's work packages—drilling of the appraisal well and construction and installation of the jacket—have been completed successfully and on schedule. The remaining two packages, covering construction and installation of the deck and the drilling and completion of eight wells, have each reached roughly 50 percent progress.

Regarding the drilling plan for the field, he said a total of eight wells will be drilled at Belal. Two have been completed so far, while drilling operations on the remaining wells are proceeding simultaneously in groups.

Emphasizing the field's role in strengthening the country's gas production capacity, Mohammadi reiterated that bringing Belal online within the next two years will add about 14 million cubic meters of gas daily to national output, easing part of the existing supply gap.

He added that making full use of development projects and accelerating ongoing initiatives is a national necessity, particularly given the current gas imbalance, and stressed that all sectors must work together to restore and boost the country's gas production capacity.

Detailing the project's work packages, Mohammadi said the Belal development is being carried out through five packages: drilling, jacket construction, deck construction and installation, well completion, and pipeline construction. He noted that despite numerous challenges—including sanctions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and two recent wars—the project's execution has never come to a halt.

The Belal gas field holds an estimated 3 trillion cubic feet of gas in place and more than 100 million barrels of proven gas condensate, making it one of the country's key assets for boosting gas output and addressing part of its energy imbalance. Thanks to accelerated development efforts under the 14th administration—carried out despite facing two imposed wars—the field's jacket has now been installed and drilling operations have begun.