Dec 02 , 2015
News
‘Pakistan can’t buy gas from Iran due to US sanctions’
Minister says no penalty if Pakistan not to buy gas from IranWASHINGTON – Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi - while inaugurating a two-day seminar - said that Iran gas pipeline project remains the best option for Pakistan.
He highlighted business opportunities in the clean energy sector in Pakistan. “We are running against time to meet energy deficit. We want energy sources that are both renewable and affordable. The Iran gas pipeline project is the best option for Pakistan,” he said.
“But as long as US sanctions are there, we cannot buy gas from Iran,” he said. The minister noted that relations between the United States and Iran were improving rapidly after the two signed a nuclear deal earlier this year. “This is good news for us. We hope that sanctions will be removed soon,” he said.
Abbasi rejected a perception that Pakistan would be forced to pay penalty if it did not buy gas from Iran now. “Not our fault. We made several attempts in the last 18 months to complete the project on our side. But no investor, no builder came forward,” he said. “Once the sanctions are lifted, we will work on this project. A pipeline is always more reliable than other options,” he added.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk