An Iranian is working on an oil installation. (File photo)[/caption]Iran stands ready to redress any possible shortfall in global crude supplies should the conflict in Iraq disrupt the Arab countrys oil production, an Iranian energy official says.
If the security crisis in Iraq flares up and the countrys oil exports grind to a halt, Iran is prepared to soon make up for Iraqs lack of oil supplies, said Iran's Deputy Oil Minister for International and Trade Affairs Ali Majedi on Saturday.
At present, we can scale up production capacity to four million barrels [per day] within six months and fulfill the markets needs, he said.
The official pointed to Irans efforts to retain its rightful share of the global energy market, adding, The world should come to the conclusion that Iran is naturally considered as the most secure and stable energy supplier in the region.
The remarks come as semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has seized at least two key oil fields near the northern city of Kirkuk and nearby Bey Hassan district.
Baghdad says it has the sole right to export the country crude, but the Kurds say they are entitled to market the resources of their own region.
In late June, the ISIL Takfiri terrorists attacked Iraqs largest refinery Baiji, which produces a third of the countrys oil output, in Salahuddin Province, north of the capital, Baghdad, besieging and reportedly taking control of the facility.
The refinery has remained shut down since June 17 because of the siege.
The crisis in Iraq escalated after the ISIL terrorists took control of Mosul, in a lightning advance on June 10, which was followed by the fall of Tikrit, located 140 kilometers (87 miles) northwest of the capital Baghdad.
By Press TV
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