The Anglo/Dutch energy giant Shell and Spanish oil company Repsol have been giove until May 20 to commit to a major gas project in Iran, the ISNA news agency have reported in Iran.
Seifollah Jashnsaz, managing director of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) indicated to ISNA that Iran would not hang around forever waiting for the two companies to clarify their respective positions.
“If subsequent to the expiry of the deadline these companies do not make clear their involvement in the Persian LNG project, talks will begin directly with Chinese (companies),” Jashnsaz told ISNA.
“Presently not much remains to the end of this deadline,” he added.
Shell and Repsol have not commented on the remarks as yet.
The South Pars gas field has proved to be a controversial project and despite the obvious attractions, has recently struggled to attract international oil companies (IOCs) to commit. Iran’s current attempts at developing nuclear capabilities have meant diplomatic relations with other countries are strained.
Both Shell and Repsol have delayed decisions regarding Iran in the past. Iran have had some success with other IOCs however. It was recently announced that French oil company Total had agreed to develop phase 11 of the South Pars field.
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