Iran Oil and Gas Exporters Union: Middle East conflicts cause approximately 10% reduction in Iran's natural gas production

The spokesperson of the Iran Oil and Gas Exporters Union, Hamid Hosseini, recently stated in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera that Iran’s natural gas output has declined by about 10% due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict and maritime blockade, and it will take two years to fully repair the damaged facilities.

Hosseini pointed out that although soaring international oil prices have boosted Iran’s oil revenues, the damage caused by the conflict and blockade is also significant. Multiple facilities in the giant South Pars gas field were attacked, causing Iran’s natural gas output to drop by as much as 200 million cubic meters at one point. By relocating equipment and consolidating production, the actual loss has now been contained to around 100 million cubic meters.

In the oil sector, Hosseini warned that the maritime blockade imposed by the United States has led to rising transportation costs and increased trade risks. He noted that while crude oil production has not yet declined, if the blockade continues, Iran may be forced to reduce crude oil output and shut down some refineries that lack domestic demand.

Hosseini also revealed that gasoline and diesel storage depots in Tehran were attacked, resulting in insufficient storage capacity within the city. For the petrochemical industry, the primary losses are concentrated in the area of electricity supply. Additionally, he believes that the alternative of transporting oil by rail is not economically feasible.

Reconstruction of Iran’s damaged facilities is already underway. Hosseini expects that the petrochemical and refining sectors will gradually return to normal in the coming months, but the damage to the natural gas industry will persist, with full restoration still requiring about two years.

The Iran Oil and Gas Exporters Union is jointly composed of Iranian private enterprises and government agencies, with members including major medium and large enterprises and institutions in the petrochemical, lubricants, and energy sectors. (Xinhua News Agency)