National Iranian Oil Company and French energy giant Total are still discussing the detail of a contract to develop Phase 11 of South Pars following a preliminary agreement signed in November. said Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh.
He said talks are underway and the agreement will be finalized in two months as the two sides are thrashing out the details.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration with Total. Zanganeh noted that NIOC is making efforts to conclude a final agreement with the company.
Based on the agreement. Total will raise gas production from Phase 11 to around 51 million cubic meters per day in 20 years in tandem with China National Petroleum Corp and an Iranian partner.
Reflecting on Total CEO Patrick Pouyanne`s statements that the company`s future in Iran depends on the renewal of US sanction waivers. Zanganeh said. As far as I know. the European Union policy is not to follow what the United States dictates. We are proceeding with the technical and commercial aspects of the deal. yet I do not know why Total made the comments.
Pouyanne had said that either the waivers will be renewed or they (the US) decide to tear up the Iran nuclear agreement. In that case. we`ll not be able to work in Iran.
According to the rapporteur of Majlis Energy Commission. Asadollah Qarekhani. no deal has been signed with Total. but the experts are conducting studies on the gas field.
Noting that there is no proof the company has revealed secret information about the field to Qatar. Qarekhani said. Total`s officials needed more information about the gas field. that is why their survey is not complete yet.
Ali Kardor. managing director of NIOC. also reacted to speculations that Total may backtrack on the South Pars mega project.
Serious negotiations are underway with Total in Tehran. Kardor was quoted as saying by ISNA on Tuesday. adding that Total has rejected claims regarding their unwillingness to develop the field. blaming the press for misinterpreting their words.
Tags Ali Kardor Asadollah Qarekhani Asia Bijan Namdar Zangeneh Bushehr CEO China China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) East Asia European Union (EU) Gas Field International International Companies International News Agency International Organizations Iran Iranian Ministry of Petroleum Minister National Iranian Oil Co. (NIOC) North America Oil Minister Persian Gulf Countries Production Qatar South Pars North Dome Gas-Condensate Field United States of America
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