Iran to Lay Caspian-Oman Seas Oil Pipeline

Text of report in English by Iranian Mehr news agency in English

Tehran, 27 August: The caretaker petroleum minister announced here on Monday [27 August] that the strategic Neka-Jask pipeline will be constructed for transferring the Caspian Seas oil to the Sea of Oman.

Gholamhoseyn Nowzari added that the pipeline will provide Iran with scores of opportunities.

He said Neka-Jask cross-country pipeline will allow littoral countries of Caspian Sea to take their oil at a lower cost to high seas.

Referring to a boost in economic development of the country after construction of the pipeline, he said a final decision will be taken next week to be implemented by National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company, PIN reported.

He also attended a ceremony to inaugurate the project on increasing the capacity of Bandar Abbas-Esfahan pipeline.

Asked about the plan to increase capacity of Bandar Abbas- Esfahan pipeline, the official noted that the plan will change oil and oil products transfer system from trucks to pipeline, which is both less costly and safer.

The pipeline will free more than 400 trucks that are now used for transfer of oil and its products and they can be used for other purposes, he said.

He added that Bandar Imam Petrochemical Complex is a major hub for petrochemical industries while Asaluyeh is the hub of gas industry, saying, According to current plans, Bandar Abbas, refinery which is capable of treating about one million barrels of crude oil, will become a hub for oil refining industry.

He noted that negotiations on peace pipeline were going on in a satisfactory manner and the project will certainly be carried out.

Originally published by Mehr news agency, Tehran, in English 1605 27 Aug 07.

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