Iran is considered as the most significant potential liquefied gas supplier by multinational oil companies in the world.
Initial agreement on developing 13th and 14th phases in south pars gas field with Respol and Shell companies on 27th of January made different attitudes toward Iran. One of the most controversial points is the U.S. sanctions against Iran and its financial partners. Mostafa Sharif Al Nabi a senior expert in international energy market theme; about the agreement between Royal Dutch Shell , Respol and National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) said to IRNA : ”13th and 14th phase of South Pars gas field provide needed gas for Persian LNG.” According to the deal Respol and Shell will develop these two phases of South Pars gas field. He pointed out Persian LNG will be funded according to the deal if the deal finalized to produce LNG and added this is called final investment decision or IFD. “Before signing IFD no investment will be done and in fact, Respol and Shell like other contractor that are active in Iran’s gas and oil domains do the job which is called project management and will be paid for that” Mostafa Sharif Al Nabi said. Sharif Al Nabi told reporters about the reasons which made Shell invest in Iran despite many difficulties: “Shell’s more procrastination could clear the road for Chinese company CNPC which was going to make a deal with National Iranian Oil Company on 14th phase.” This senior expert expressed: presently Chinese companies are doing their best to make profit of existing opportunities in oil and gas domains and this situation makes multinational companies be worried about the situation. As Shell’s CEO said Shell is following its long-term interests in Iran and also has some concern in short-term opportunities. He said:” Shell as the largest company active in LNG marketing and production is worried about its position.” And added “Nigeria and Oman which had worked with Sell before , now are more interested in other partners, for instance Oman prefers to work with British Petroleum more, and Nigeria did not make any deals with Shell company in Bras project.” Mostafa Sharif Al Nabi also added Shell has not participated in new projects and opportunities in Brunei, Malaysia, Angola, Yemen and Egypt; Venezuela canceled its deal with Shell and Shell’s project in Australia has some environmental difficulties. The most important one is the Russian LNG project (Sakhalin) in which Sell lost its leadership role to Gas prom after a 1-year struggle with this company and 55% Shell’s share reduced to 5%. Now Shell’s directors are going to decrease the damage and going to invest in two other potentials Iran and Qatar. Qatar is working with American companies such as Exxon mobile and Shell’s share is limited to 30% in one of the six production projects in Qatar. Therefore Iran is the most important world potential LNG supplier for gas and oil companies. Analysts hope Iranian oil authorities appreciate such a unique position.
