TEHRAN, August 1 (Shana) � President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that self-sufficiency in oil and gas sectors will result in the country's might.President Rouhani made the remark in ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of establishment of National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC).
President Rouhani said oil and gas play essential role in development and said part of any country's might depends on self-sufficiency in energy.


He said oil has always been influential within framework of the OPEC and its diplomatic activities.


Referring to remarks of Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zanganeh regarding government plan for export of 200 million cubic meters of gas a day, President Rouhani said the amount will be exported to the neighboring countries as LNG exports is also on agenda, covering a wider area.


He said oil exports is effective in public life, economy and strength and the embargo of Iranian oil had targeted public life.


Referring to restrictions on gasoline imports during time of sanctions, the president said self-sufficiency in oil and oil derivatives, especially gasoline and gasoil, is very important and vital for a country.


He said one of the outcomes of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is that Iran has been given more options for choosing from suppliers of items.

Rouhani said one of the chief outcomes of the JCPOA is that the country is no longer dependent to a certain few countries for supply of the items it might need from time to time.

He said under the sanctions the country had to beg suppliers from a few countries which often implied loss of dignity for the country before foreigners, but now that the sanctions are being lifted, it can enter into interactions with the world, in a dignified manner.

The Iranian president said also thanked the oil and gas industry officials, executives, managers, staff and workers for the achievements they have gained in energy supply in the country.

"They [imposers of sanctions] tried to curb import of patrol. Now that you see the country's self-sufficiency in production of oil products especially gasoline and gasoil by relying on domestic prowess and gas sector is so important," he said.
He said not very long ago, "we needed to import gas during winter do you remember what hardships we had to undergo with a friend neighbor country for imports of gas� As soon as winter began, things turned ugly as far as pricing, delivery or timing of deliveries were concerned."

Rouhani said the independence of the country and its different dimensions and its self-sufficiency regarding staple commodities' supply like oil and gas are so important if you want to stay revolutionary.

"A revolutionary country needs to be independent for a revolution means the country must be independent and free. This is what a revolution is all about not needing anybody for making decisions and designing based on our own volition and relying on the people's vote."

Ceremonies marking the 50th Anniversary of Establishment of National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) has started, attended by senior state officials, a number of ministers and vice-presidents, MPs and senior oil industry directors.

The ceremony is underway at the International Seminars Center of the Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI).

The ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the NIGC establishment aims to introduce potential of Iranian gas industry both nationally and internationally, introduce the turning point in the gas industry in 50 years of service to the public, define the standing and role of gas in national economy, security, environment protection, lifestyle, development and social welfare, financial saving, while introducing fuel substitutes.

Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zanganeh, Minister of Industries, Mines and Trade, Head of the Department of Environment, Secretary General of The Gas Exporting Countries Forum, and Presidential Economic Advisor are to address the meeting.

A special panel meeting, entitled Prospect of the Oil Industry in the Next Half Century will be held on the sidelines, attended by Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Managing Director of the NIGC and members of the NIGC board of directors.


By SHANA