China goes for gas in Iran
Beijing glimpses a Middle East energy consolidation, by replacing France's Total in South Pars gas expansion venture
By the beginning of August, Total will know whether or not it has a future in Iran. The Iranian authorities have given it two months to seek an exemption from US sanctions on their country. Total is involved in the Phase 11 development of the huge offshore South Pars gasfield, which is shared with Qatar—with the Qataris calling it the North Field. As recently as April, the French firm issued tenders for sub-contracts for South Pars, still hoping for a miracle. The chances of the Trump administration allowing Total to ignore sanctions are remote. Furthermore, the likelihood is that France's loss will be China's gain. For Iran's oil minister Bijan Zanganeh said recently that "if the US adminis
Also in this section
3 May 2024
Upcoming elections are likely to deliver a win for the party of president Andres Lopez Obrador, but analysts differ over to what degree his successor will stick to his energy policies
2 May 2024
Faster-than-expected economic growth fails to mask macro imbalances and shifting structural oil product trends
1 May 2024
Energean CEO Mathios Rigas looks to results of critical Anchois appraisal well
30 April 2024
While its regional neighbours reap the rewards of oil and gas success, Iraq’s hydrocarbons sector is lagging behind