Iran Ready to Export Gas to Afghanistan

Iran is ready to export gas to Afghanistan as CNG or directly through pipeline, Ali Reza Kameli, managing director of National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) said.

Kameli added Tehran is waiting for a concrete plan to be presented by Kabul.  Speaking to Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) Saturday, Kameli said after the Afghan side presents its plans on those ways of exports, work can begin.

Afghan private sector entities have expressed readiness to import gas from Iran during talks with Iranian officials, said Kameli. 

Tehran wants to increase gas exports to countries in its neighborhood before it begins to supply LNG to Europe and East Asia.

Iran has gas deal with neighbouring Turkey, gas swap deal with Azerbaijan, gas-for-power barter with Armenia, and gas export agreement with Pakistan. Tehran is also looking begin gas exports to Oman and Iraq soon via pipeline.