TEHRAN Jan 08 (Shana): Irans Petroleum Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh has said that the country runs short of 160 mcm/d of gas, calling on Iranians to reduce gas consumption. With efficient gas use, all people will be able to benefit from natural gas and industries will keep producing, the minister said.
Zanganeh said restrictions are needed to be imposed on some sections so that gas flow would not stop.
He said Petroleum Ministry has delivered oil products to power plants in order to compensate for the shortage.
The minister noted that six phases of South Pars gas field must have become operational, but it has not happened.
Zanganeh said Petroleum Ministry is currently focusing its attention on the development of South Pars.
The minister dismissed rumors of Chinese gasoline imported into Iran, saying: Substandard gasoline has not yet been imported and it will not happen in the future.
Zanganeh also said that Iran will be able to export more crude oil.