Energy-starvedPakistanhas convinced Iran to step back from demanding $200m a month from January 1 to compensate for Islamabads failure to begin receivinggas from Irans South Parsgasfield, according to the countrys minister for petroleum.
Pakistan has in the past said the Iranian gas is the cheapest option available as its own reserves in the countrys south and southwest dry up. However, officials have complained of continuing US pressure on Islamabad to keep the arrangement with Iran on hold until US-led international sanctions on Tehran are lifted.
The new understanding between the countries revealed by Shahid Khaqan Abbassi removes for now a take or pay obligation on Pakistan to compensate Iran whether or not it receives anything under a contract linked to thepipeline.