Iran says it finds new gas, after war hits energy sector
A general view shows a unit of South Pars Gas field in Asalouyeh Seaport, north of Persian Gulf, Iran, on Nov 19, 2015. (File photo: Reuters/Raheb Homavandi)
TEHRAN: Iran said on Sunday (Aug 23) it had discovered more than 200 billion cubic metres of natural gas, months into the Middle East war that has hit the country's energy infrastructure and production.
"New gas reserves were discovered in the south of Fars province," Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad told state television, adding that over 160 billion cubic metres could be extracted from the field.
He described it as sweet natural gas, which has very little of the toxic gas hydrogen sulphide, resulting in lower operating and development costs.
According to Bloomberg, any new production from the site would likely be years away.
Iran's energy sector has taken a hit since joint US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic launched the Middle East war in late February.
The countries have struck Iran's energy infrastructure, such as gas production facilities or oil depots, as well as transport routes.
