NIOC to Tender 16 Blocks for Exploration/Development in 2004 and Hopes to Boost Oil Production Capacity by 250,000 B/D in 2005

摘要

According to the Managing Director of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC),Mr.Mehdi Mirmoezzi,the country's crude oil production capacity will be increased by 250,000 b/d in 2005,while natural gas production will be stepped up by 20% to 75 million cu m/day with the completion of three more phases of development at the offshore South Pars gas field.Speaking at a ceremony on 18 May to inaugurate the offshore Balal oilfield,which was developed by a foreign consortium led by the French company Total,Mr.Mirmoezzi said Iran's oil and gas production capacities would be increased by 250,000 b/d and 100 million cu m/day,thanks to the signing of new contracts with foreign operators.Among the projects planned for 2004,he said,was an international bid round in which 16 blocks would be offered for both exploration and development.