Iran talks the talk on Caspian gas
The Chalous deposit is both significant and conveniently located for potential export purposes. But production is likely a long way off
A subsidiary of National Iranian Oil Co. (NIOC) caused something of a stir this summer with claims that the identification of new resources in the country’s Caspian Sea sector could see Iran supply 20pc of European gas demand. “If the initial estimates [at Chalous] are confirmed and exploration success is achieved,” Khazar Exploration and Production Co. (Kepco) CEO Ali Osouli said on his company’s website, “the Iranian sector of the Caspian Sea will play a significant role in gas exports to Europe in the near future. Iran’s new gas hub will be formed in the north to let the country supply 20pc of Europe’s gas needs from this region”. The suggestion was quickly seized on by political analysts

Also in this section
20 March 2025
As cash-strapped Western governments commit to substantially raising defence expenditure, a similar dynamic is playing out in Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas sector, as Saudi Aramco maintains it heavy capex push despite reduced revenues
20 March 2025
Tariffs, sanctions and trade conflicts are upending the oil market, impacting crude differentials and shipping rates and creating uncertainty
20 March 2025
While advanced economies debate peak fossil fuel demand, billions of people still lack access to reliable and affordable energy, especially in the Global South
19 March 2025
Iran’s oil is caught in the crosshairs of support from China and Russia and US maximum pressure, with options becoming more and more limited