The financial sanctions did not mention cutting off U.S. imports of Venezuelan oil. which could be critical to Venezuela'.s economy as well as U.S. oil refiners.

China has become the world'.s third largest shale gas producer behind the United States and Canada.

Sharara. which was producing around 280.000 barrels per day. had been shut a week ago.

France’s Total signed a deal with Tehran last month to develop phase 11 of South Pars.

Essar Oil'.s new owners will settle over 2 billion euros ($2.4 billion) owed to Iran for past oil purchases.

A large number of Iranian traders started to ship food to Qatar following the political crisis.

In the meantime. other foreign companies are welcome to discuss their interest in the gas field.

Some 54 power units have gone on stream in the last four years.

Officials place condensate exports between 600.000 and 700.000 barrels a day.

The rig count now stands at 940 overall. with four oil rigs and two natural gas rigs removed.