TEHRAN, Aug 02 (Shana) -- Director of International Affairs at National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) Mohsen Qamsari said independent refiners from China has purchased 2 million barrels of crude oil from Iran, making it the biggest crude oil buy from Iran to the refiners.

He said Chinese rules prevented independent, or private, refiners from China to directly import crude oil, but now they can do so.

"These refiners are now given the permit to import crude supplies but the fact is that they lack enough logistics and financial resources," he said.

The official said Iran has so far sold 2 million barrels of its crude oil to such refiners despite hardships of dealing with them.
"We are now seeking a go-between for dealing with these refiners."

He said these refineries are financially weak and their acts are very superficially, however, the official said, selling oil to these refiners is a chance for Iran to boost its markets share in global markets.

He said Trafigura has a contract with Iran for sending its crude cargoes to certain destinations in the world.

Qamsari said Trafigura trading company is now delivering Iran's crude oil to Chinese private refiners.

Trafigura Beheer BV is a Dutch multinational commodity trading company founded in 1993 that trades in base metals and energy, including oil. It is the world's third largest private oil and metals trader after Vitol and Glencore.

He said talks are under way with Trafigura for delivery of Iran's oil to Chinese refineries and if it is successful Iran will keep sending its oil to China through the same company.

By SHANA