Tehran, Dec 2, IRNA - Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh said on Wednesday that Iran does not need the permission of any country to increase its crude oil production.


On the eve of the 168th ministerial meeting of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to be held in Vienna on Friday, he confirmed Iran has sent letters to the member states to inform them of the intention to boost its output, Shana reported.

'The letters were meant to inform them to include the increase in the production plans of the organization,' he added, 'Iran did not write the letter for their approval.'

Iran has officially announced that it will increase production for 500,000 barrels a day immediately after sanctions are lifted. Another increase of similar amount will follow within weeks so that Iran's export will be back to the pre-sanctions quota.

Saying that ousting Iran's oil from the market was an 'oppressive and illegal' act, the minister stressed, 'Our return to the market does not require the permission of anybody. We are not expecting approval of the letter by other member states.'

By IRNA