Minister stresses Iran's key role in int'l energy market

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 23rd International Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Exhibition in Tehran, Zangeneh said, 'Iran cannot be ignored in world energy market.'

'World oil market has to be non-political as interventions would create disorder in the market,' the Iranian petroleum minister said.

Noting that Iran does not support high oil prices, Zangeneh said that Iran has always been seeking reasonable prices for oil which will encourage the producers to produce more oil and therefore stop the global market from destabilization.

He also said that six offshore phases and four onshore phases of South Pars giant field in southern Iran will come to stream this year.

The 23rd International Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Exhibition opened in Tehran on Sunday with participation of 1,053 domestic companies and 600 foreign ones from 37 countries.

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