TEHRAN, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said he's been tasked with finding a consultant to examine prospects for a natural gas pipeline to Oman.
Iranian delegates have been meeting in Tehran with the counterparts from Oman to discuss prospects for closer ties in the energy sector.
Zanganeh told the Oil Ministry's reporting arm Shana both sides signed an agreement for natural gas exports to Oman, its maritime neighbor.
"I have been delegated to choose an eligible Iranian consultant to examine issues like [the] technical and economic feasibility of [a] gas pipeline project, as well as determination of its route and the next steps will be taken after announcing the result of [the] studies," he said Tuesday.
Omani Oil and Gas Minister Mohammed bin Hamad al-Rumhy was quoted as saying both sides were "very keen" on natural gas pipeline development.
Shana reported both sides are working on natural gas agreements first discussed in 2007. It said Oman had asked for 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas from Iran.
Zanganeh said his ministry is looking to expand its international partnerships. A domestic company announced this week, however, it was taking over for China National Petroleum Corp. at part of the South Pars natural gas field in the Persian Gulf.
