Speaking on the sidelines of the 24th Iran Oil Show, the official said that NIGC, supported by powerful domestic contractors, could step in major projects in neighboring countries.  

He said Iran had not made a final decision as to sue Pakistan for the gas pipeline.

“We are fully ready to export natural gas to Pakistan; maybe the recent meetings by officials of the two countries pave the ground for gas exports,” he said.

He said NIGC was not in agreement with Turkmenistan over the amount of their dues. However, “we are considering cooperation with Turkmenistan for gas imports either by state or private sectors.”

NIGC registered 750 million cubic meters of gas transmission record last calendar year (which ended on March 20), the official said. “This year, the volume can cross 900 mcm.”

Torbati further added that Iran’s gas exports to Turkey, Baghdad and Basra reached 40 mcm/d on average last calendar year.

Iran’s gas exports to neighboring Iraq will cross 35 mcm/d this year, he went on to add.