Farhad Shahraki called it unreasonable to blame the oil industry for delays in carrying out the project. He said the Energy Committee closely monitors the project's progress and has seen consistent, diligent work by the industry, particularly by the Pars Oil and Gas Co.

Shahraki noted that the Oil Ministry has cooperated well with parliament in answering questions and concerns raised by Energy Committee members, and that the two sides have held numerous meetings. He urged that existing capacities be used to make up for lost time.

"The Economic Council's recent approval of the pressure boosting project is expected to mark the start of faster progress on its operations," he said.

Shahraki said contractors, Pars Oil and Gas Co., the Oil Ministry and parliament have worked well together in recent weeks. With the support of other key players, he said, there is hope that part of the delay can be recovered and the project can move forward more quickly.

On the need to counter pressure decline in the South Pars reservoir, he said the Energy Committee will stand with the project's executive team. He expressed hope that the project will become a successful and effective experience for the country's industry.

He said one key feature of the project is its capacity to draw on the strengths of various industrial sectors. Small, medium and large companies can take part in supplying equipment and carrying out parts of the project by providing financing, he said, and can benefit from taking part in a national project.

Shahraki added that, beyond its economic impact and added value across the production chain, the project could create jobs and foster entrepreneurship. He said it could also help develop new knowledge and technologies in Iran and give the country's technical and engineering capabilities a boost.