Sanctions Are “No Problem” for Turkey’s Imports of Iran Gas
IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK
TEHRAN – National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) Dispatching Director Mehdi Jamshidi Dana says sanctions are not problems for Turkey to import Iran’s gas because Turkey has received the U.S. waiver for gas import from Iran.
Speaking to ILNA, Jamshidi Dana elaborated the latest development on Iran-Turkey gas deal and repair of the gas pipeline which has been exploded in March.
He said that since the explosion has happened in Turkey, the country is responsible to fix it but Turkey is delaying because of the current condition and drop in consumption ,and it has resorted to the force-majeure clause in the agreement with Iran.
Jamshidi Dana reiterated that Iran has rejected the force-majeure clause because it believes Turkey is resorting to the clause in order to escape fines. He added that for years Turkey has decreased its gas imports due to the beginning of heat but the country decreases its gas imports in a way not to be fined because according to the take-or-pay agreement, Turkey is obliged to get at least certain amount of gas stipulated in the agreement or else it should pay its price.
He further said that Turkey has diverse energy basket in the country and it receives natural gas via pipeline and LNG by vessels and it is natural that the country uses different sources according to its economic condition.
Jamshidi Dana noted that the outbreak of Coronavirus was another reason to slow down Turkey’s effort to fix the exploded gas pipeline.
He reiterated that so far, Turkey has been committed to its contract obligations, adding that it is logical that Turkey uses cheaper gas because of slump in its revenues in tourism industry.
On renewing contract with Turkey for gas exports, he pointed to the start of negotiations, adding that the talks are moving slowly for renewal of the contract which will expire in 2025. He further said the company’s studies show that imports of gas from Iran have advantages for Turkey, noting that he does now know the future of the new contract but undoubtedly, Turkey cannot snub importing gas from Iran.
Jamshidi reiterated that Iran is after a win-win contract with Turkey and all options are under study in NIGC.
