Iran will export its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from 2013, according to the country’s deputy oil minister, Mohsen Khojasteh Mehr
The minister said that LNG exports would amount to 10 million tonnes per year. Early production has been slated to begin at the Iran LNG liquefaction plant in southern Asslouyeh within the next two years, providing a boost to the country's gas sector.
"The National Iranian Oil Company will join the group of LNG exporters next year by exporting its first LNG cargo," said Mehr.
"Marketing activities have already been carried out for selling the LNG supplies to be produced in Iran's South Pars gas field."
Iran has allocated US$1.5 billion towards the project and exporting the product is expected to earn the country up to $20 million per day.
Iran plans to export 30 per cent of its LNG output to Europe and, in the long run, to major markets including China and India.
