TEHRAN August 26(Shana)�Production from oil fields in West Karoun region in western Iran is planned to reach 0.7 million barrels a day in its first development phase, Iranian petroleum minister said.

Addressing press conference on Tuesday, Bijan Zangeneh said of the envisaged 4.7mb/d increase in Iran's crude oil output, 0.7mb/d is expected to be supplied from the region.
He said 16 drilling rigs are operating in South Azadegan field while the number was only 3 when the Chinese contractor was expelled from the project.

West Karoun region is being studied jointly by Petroleum Engineering and Development Company (PEDEC), Arvandan Oil and Gas Company and National Iranian South Oil Company (NISOC).

By SHANA