Iran hits new record for gas exports to Turkey: Deputy oil min.

Iran’s Deputy Oil Minister for Gas Affairs Javad Owji says the country’s daily gas exports to Turkey have for the first time topped 31 million cubic meters (mcm).

“For the first time [since the beginning of gas exports to Turkey], Iran’s daily gas exports to Turkey have topped 31 million cubic meters,” Owji noted on Saturday.

The official added that under an agreement between Tehran and Ankara, the Islamic Republic should export up to 30 mcm per day of gas to its northwestern neighbor.

He, however, stated that following a request by Turkey’s Butas Company to import more gas from Iran due to severe cold, Iran currently exports more than 31.5 mcm of natural gas to Turkey per day.

The Iranian official said that more gas exports to Turkey depend on further request from Butas.

According to Owji, Iran’s average daily gas exports to neighboring countries, including Armenia and Turkey amount to nearly 35 mcm per day.

Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said on Wednesday that his country will continue buying natural gas from Iran despite financial sanctions imposed against the Islamic Republic by the West.

The United States, Israel and some of their allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program. Over the false allegation, Washington and the European Union have imposed unilateral illegal sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

Iran refutes allegations over its nuclear activities and argues that as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it is entitled to develop and acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.