Iran Ready to Build Gas Pipeline to Afghanistan

Iran is ready to exports gas to Afghanistan via pipeline, Afghan news portal Wadsam reported Tuesday.

Iranian Consul General in Herat, Mahmud Afkhami Rashedi, said Tehran was ready to lay the pipeline and export gas into Herat.

This comes after two nations, last month, discussed expanding bilateral economic cooperation.

Iran has expressed its willingness to boost energy exports to neighbouring countries mainly Iraq and Afghanistan.

Last year, Managing Director of National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company (NIOPDC) Mostafa Kashkouli said expected increase in the export of energy will be brought about by the development of the country’s giant offshore South Pars gas field phases.

Last year, Iran and Iraq inked a gas supply deal where Tehran would supply gas to two Iraqi power plants. The first gas pipeline between Iran and Iraq has been already been completed.

Iran commenced pre-startup tests on the pipeline. After the end of cleaning and calibration pigging, 97 kilometers (Iran’s section) of the pipeline will become operational. The 97-kilometer pipeline, 48 inches in diameter, would be linked to Iran’s gas trunklines (IGATs) to deliver natural gas from Iran to Iraq.

Gas supplies are expected to start in May this year.

Iran has also opened a $1.5 billion tender for the construction of a second pipeline to carry natural gas to Iraq, state owned Shana News said Sunday.