TEHRAN, Aug. 29 (Mehr News Agency) - The Information Office of U.S. Energy Department, in a recent report said Iran's annual gas export of 300 billion cubic meters to Europe will begin in 2009. Referring to $300m contract in March 2002 to construct gas pipeline to Greece via Turkey, the report added, "Iran's gas export to Europe is also feasible via Bulgaria and Romania."

The report also stipulated that subsea gas transfer from Iran to Italy is also possible, but the high cost of such construction would make other options more attractive. According to the same report, a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed with Bulgaria and Romania in 2003, and in January 2004, another MOU was inked by Iran and Austria.

Iranian oil officials had earlier emphasized that the gas project would get going in 2007, however, the U.S. believes that may not be possible any sooner than 2009. England and Spain have recently joined the list of gas buyers, the report concluded.

... Payvand News - 8/30/05 ... --