Iran discovers more huge gas reserves

Iran has announced the discovery of more than 200 billion cubic metres of natural gas reserves in southern Fars province, offering a potential boost to the country’s energy sector amid ongoing damage to its infrastructure.

Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad said the newly identified field contains more than 200 billion cubic metres of gas, of which over 160 billion cubic metres could potentially be recovered.

Paknejad described the gas as “sweet,” meaning it contains very low levels of hydrogen sulphide, a toxic and corrosive compound. The lower sulphur content could help reduce the costs associated with developing and operating the field.

However, the newly discovered reserves are unlikely to provide an immediate increase in Iran’s gas supply.

According to Bloomberg, bringing the field into production could take several years.

Read more: Major gas reserve recovered

Iran’s energy infrastructure has faced significant pressure since US and Israeli strikes on the country began in late February as part of the wider Middle East conflict. Energy facilities, including gas production sites and oil storage depots, as well as transportation routes, have been targeted during the conflict.

The discovery could therefore become strategically important for Iran in the longer term as the country works to restore and expand its energy production capacity.