Signed in 2014 and originally slated for 2018 start-up (MEES, 25 September 2015), the oft-delayed Iran-Oman gas pipeline still looks unlikely to get moving anytime soon. Nonetheless, the CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) announced this week that Iran is “ready” to begin the onshore portion of the pipeline, to run 200km from the IGAT-7 pipeline to Kuh Mobarak where the gas will then be piped underwater to Oman’s LNG export facility to Sohar.

The $1.2bn project would enable Iran to increase gas exports and Oman to liquify and resell the gas at higher prices. NIGC says Oman could import up to 20bcm/year under the 15-year deal. (CONTINUED - 107 WORDS)