File photo shows Shazand refinery near the central Iranian city of Arak.[/caption]An Iranian deputy oil minister says the country has become self-sufficient in the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Alireza Zeighami said on Sunday that Iran has stopped importing 800 tons a day of LNG from neighboring states after achieving self-sufficiency.
Following complete development of Imam Khomeini Refinery in [the city of] Shazand [near the central city] of Arak, 1,500 tons per day of LNG in excess of domestic demand is now produced in the country, he added.
Zeighami, who is also managing director of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC), stated that Iran will be exporting its surplus LNG in the future.
The official said Iran is currently producing 12.5 million liters of LNG per day, up from nine million liters in 2005.
Iran is expected to deliver its first consignment of LNG to international markets before March 2014.
Iran LNG Company (ILC) announced on April 12 that it plans to launch the countrys first LNG plant with an estimated capital investment of USD 5 billion. The facility would start its early production when half that sum is provided.
The first phase of the plant (65-percent complete) includes a 1,100-megawatt power plant, storage facilities for LNG and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as well as offshore docks.
The plant would be able to produce 10.5 million tons per year of LNG, earning the country more than USD 20 million a day.
By Press TV
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