Iran is determined to increase its oil exports despite sanctions imposed by the United States on Tehran's crude sales, Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji said on Sept.1, adding that the use of oil sanctions as a "political tool" would harm the market.
"There is strong will in Iran to increase oil exports despite the unjust and illegal U.S. sanctions," Owji told state TV, without elaborating on how Tehran planned to overcome sanctions.
"I promise that good things will happen regarding Iran's oil sales in the coming months," he added.
Oil exports, Iran’s main revenue source, have plunged under U.S. sanctions, which were reimposed three years ago after Washington abandoned Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with six powers.
Tehran does not disclose its crude export data, but assessments based on shipping and other sources suggest a fall from about 2.8 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2018 to as low as 200,000 bpd. One survey put exports at 600,000 bpd in June.
"Iran will return to its pre-sanctions crude production level as soon as U.S. sanctions on Iran are lifted," Owji said.
"We are against using oil as a political tool that would harm the oil market."
Since Apr. 9, Tehran and six world powers have been in talks to revive the nuclear pact. The sixth round of the negotiations adjourned on June 20. The next round of talks has yet to be scheduled.
Owji said Iran backed a decision made by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, a group known as OPEC+, on Sept.1 to stick to a policy from July of phasing out record output cuts by adding 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) a month to the market.
Recommended Reading
OFS Sector Loses Jobs, but Trade Org Says Growth Potential Remains
2024-05-08 - According to analysis by the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, the OFS job market may still have potential for growth despite a slight decrease in the sector in April.
Dividends Declared in the Week of May 6
2024-05-10 - Here is a selection of upstream, midstream and service and supply companies’ dividends declared in the past week.
Berntsen Joins Xcel as Executive VP, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
2024-05-22 - Rob Berntsen is assuming the role from Amanda Rome, who had been in the position on an interim basis.
Riley Permian Increases Stake in West Texas Power JV with Conduit
2024-05-22 - Riley Exploration Permian increased its ownership in RPC Power, a JV with Conduit Power, to 50% from 35% and has agreed to sell up to 10 MMcf/d of natural gas as feedstock supply for the generation facilities as RPC plans to sell to ERCOT.
Upstream, Midstream Dividends Declared in the Week of July 8, 2024
2024-07-11 - Here is a selection of upstream and midstream dividends declared in the week of July 8.