Ali Bahadori Jahromi, who made the announcement in a press conference, said Phase 11, which was developed by Iranian engineers will become [officially] operational after a 20-year hiatus.

Earlier in the day, The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) said gas production at Phase 11 of the South Pars (SP) field has started.

Mohsen Khojastehmehr added gas extracted from Phase 11 has been transmitted to an onshore refinery through an offshore pipeline during the recent days.

NIOC put the strategic project of Phase 11 on the agenda when the 13th (incumbent) administration took office, he said, continuing the project has now come on stream and gas extraction from four wells of this phase has started.

According to him, Phase 11 is ready for official inauguration in the presence of President Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi and Oil Minister Javad Owji.