TEHRAN – To Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, the prospect of a possible change in OPEC output policy at the group’s December meeting is a tad too distant, the SHANA news agency reported on Tuesday.

The minister said this to the press at the end of the 3rd Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) held in Tehran on November 23, where he was doubtful about any possible policy change in the coming meeting as there is some reluctance on the part of OPEC members to choke off current supply level.

Also, the minister parried a question on if Saudi Arabia has any intention to scale down its oil output.

A further highlight in remarks of the oil minister was that Iran would act independently if the country sees the need to step up its oil production in the global market after the lifting of sanctions, for which Iran needs no permission.

It is expected that 2016 will be a tough year for OPEC when international sanctions on Iran are expected to ease, allowing it to boost oil production and exports, said Reuters.

The 168th Ordinary OPEC Meeting is slated to start on December 4 in Vienna, Austria.

AK/