Iran likely to start gas exports to Iraq by the end of this month

A gas export pipeline aimed at transporting energy from Iran to Iraq is likely to be operational within the month.

Iranian oil ministry’s official news agency Shana cited Iranian Gas Engineering and Development managing director Alireza Gharibi as saying that the final tests, cleaning and calibration pigging for the 97-km pipeline is almost complete.

The pipeline connecting Iran’s gas trunklines (IGATs) to deliver natural gas is expected to be operational by August 20.

Gharibi was quoted by Iran’s state-owned news agency Press TV as saying: "At present, we are discharging water from the pipeline and after a few final tests, which will take to the end of this month, the pipeline will be ready for exports."

In the initial phase, the pipeline will transfer five million cubic meters (mcm) of gas daily to Iraq, which is expected to increase to 25mcm after construction of the Sixth Iranian Gas Trunkline (IGAT-6) is completed.

Agreement for the natural gas exports from the South Pars gas field in Iran had been signed between the two countries in 2013.

The entire project involves setting up of a 270km long pipeline that will have a daily capacity to deliver 25 mcm of to Sadr, Baghdad and al-Mansouryah power plants in Iraq.

It is expected to generate $3.7bn in annual revenues for Iran, according to Press TV.

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Image: Iranian Gas Engineering and Development managing director Alireza Gharibi. Photo: courtesy of National Iranian Gas Company.