Iraq to import Iranian gas to feed power plants  

An Iraqi delegation is to head for Tehran early next year to sign a deal for the import of Iranian gas, an electricity ministry statement said.   The statement said the delegation would seek striking a long-term contract to supply gas-driven power plants with fuel particularly in southern and central Iraq.   Iraqi power plants are running at below capacity due to fuel shortages. Output in southern provinces has declined to 1711 megawatts from 1850 this month.   The statement said the talks would center on the construction of a gas pipeline between the countries. Iran holds the world’s second largest natural gas reserves and the world’s third largest proven oil reserves.   The details of the deal are yet to be announced. However, it signals how dependent Iraq has become on neighboring Iran for essential supplies and goods since the 2003-U.S. invasion of the country.

(Source: Azzaman.com)

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