Iran says no talks with Gazprom on gas export to Turkey

Iran says it hasn't has any discussion with Gazprom, Russia’s state energy company, over the export of gas to Turkey.

"Iran and Gazprom's cooperation would be within the framework of establishing five workgroups in the investment, repairs, maintenance, storage and refining sectors", Shana quoted the Managing Director of National Iranian Gas Company, Hamidreza Araqi, as saying on February 2.

Iran has a contract with Turkey to supply the country with 27 million cubic meters of gas per day.

Russian energy giant Gazprom does not rule out its participation in the implementation of a number of export-oriented projects in Iran, the company's management committee deputy chairman Alexander Medvedev said Monday.

In December, Gazprom and the National Iranian Gas Company held talks on expanding Iran’s underground gas storage and its gas transport network, as well as equipment deliveries from Russia.

"With regard to Iran’s export opportunities, they, of course, exist both in pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas. However, what the purpose of this gas will be, it is still an open question. In addition, we do not exclude our participation in a number of projects in Iran, with export orientation," Medvedev stated during an Investor Day in New York, commenting on the anti-Iran sanctions lifting and its consequences for cooperation with Gazprom, Sputnik reported.

Iran's priority in the gas sector will be meeting domestic demand, especially in its territorial aspect, he noted.

"It is no secret that there is a significant shortage of gas in the northern regions of Iran. It is no coincidence that the use of Russian output to meet Iran’s demand for gas has been discussed quite specifically in the course of our recent meetings with our Iranian colleagues," Medvedev stressed.

On January 20, the Chairman of Gazprom’s board of directors, Viktor Zubkov, said the company was exploring the possibility of closer cooperation with Iran after the international sanctions against the country were lifted. (Trend.az)