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Iran needs reform of gas sector

Iran's gas sector needs a new strategy to boost exports.
EDITORS' NOTE:  Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran. 

An engineer speaks on his radio at the Phase 4 and Phase 5 gas refineries in Assalouyeh, 1,000 km (621 miles) south of Tehran, January 27, 2011.  REUTERS/Caren Firouz (IRAN - Tags: ENERGY BUSINESS) - RTXX5WC

As international companies are awaiting the practical consequences of the implementation of the interim nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, one issue is certain: Gas will be at the core of Iranian developments over the next decade.

With 33.6 trillion cubic meters (about 18% of global reserves) of proven gas, Iran is, next to Russia, one of the top two countries with regard to conventional gas reserves. In terms of natural gas production, the country ranks first in the Middle East, and third in the world after the United States and Russia. Nonetheless, sanctions, mismanagement and wasteful domestic energy consumption have all suppressed the potential of Iran's gas sector.

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