Managing general of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) has underscored the role of Russia and Iran, as the first two countries in terms of having the largest world gas reserves, in meeting energy needs of the region and the whole world.
In a virtual address to the 13th Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia, Saeed Tavakkoli said that with a daily production capacity of over 1 billion cubic meters and highly sophisticated distribution network, Iran has a key role in supplying gas to regional countries.
Iran is the only supplier of gas to Iraq and is a main supplier to Turkey, he said, adding that “we aim to further expand our gas exports to both countries.”
Referring to the role of Iran and Russia in forming the GECF, he expressed hope that this forum would play a more active role in the gas market in the future and ensure the maximum benefits of exporting countries.
He also highlighted Iran’s unique position at the center of the North-South corridor of supply and transfer of energy which he believed provides Iran with the chance to help the supply of gas to other countries through multilateral agreements, swap and transit with other regional players.
Tavakkoli said that this corridor can facilitate gas supply to Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, India and the Persian Gulf littoral countries.