No Clear Reason Behind Turkey Delay in Repairing Gas Pipeline

IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK

TEHRAN – National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) Dispatching Director Mehdi Jamshidi Dana says although Turkey has announced it would receive necessary equipment for repairing the exploded gas pipeline, the reason behind its delay is still unknown

Speaking to ILNA, Jamshidi Dana said that Iran has officially announced its Turkish partner its readiness to dispatch necessary equipment and skillful forces for repairing the gas pipeline and it has no problem.

He went on to say that he does not understand the reason behind Turkey’s delay for repairing the pipeline and resumption of receiving gas, admitting there are several assumptions but the main reason is vague. Jamshidi Dana once again reiterated that Iran can repair the pipeline in a week.

On the extension of contract for gas exports to Turkey, he said the outbreak of the Coronavirus has delayed the talks for extension of contract but it is on the agenda and there is no problem.

Meanwhile a member of energy commission of Majlis said according to the international obligations, Iran should export gas to Turkey according to the contract and Turkey should get it.

On the possible U.S. pressures on Turkey for not buying Iran’s gas, Reza Bakhtiar said the relation between Iran and Turkey has been good and amicable even in the sanctions era and it does not seem Turkey to stop buying Iran gas due to the U.S. sanctions because they know that sanctions are temporary.

Earlier on Monday, Oil Minister said Turkey had been delaying repair work on blown-up gas pipeline with no clear reason.

Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said he was unaware why Turkey had been delaying repair work on an Iranian gas pipeline that was blown up in late March.

“I don’t know for what reason the repair has been delayed,” said Zanganeh, adding that such repair works usually takes several days to complete.

The comments come against then backdrop of reports suggesting that Turkey is deliberately delaying the repairs on the gas pipeline that was blown up on March 31. Those reports say Ankara is trying to get a price reduction from Iran while it also seeks to appease the United States which pressures other countries to halt energy trade with Iran.

Zanganeh said that Turkey has also refused to allow Iran to carry out the repair work on then gas pipeline.

“We declared that we are ready to repair this pipeline for them but the Turks did not welcome this proposal,” he said.