15 Sep 2011 10:34

Iran, Gazprom Neft to mull other firms for Azar project

MOSCOW. Sept 15 (Interfax) - Gazprom Neft and the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) will spend a month considering the participation of other companies in the Azar oil project, the Russian Energy Ministry said following talks between Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko and Iranian Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi.

"The participation of other companies will be clarified within a month," the ministry said in a press release.

Russia and Iran will decide on the prospects for Gazprom Neft to work on the Azar project within a month, Shmatko said.

Iran has criticized Gazprom Neft for the amount of time it has taken over the Azar field and has suggested handing the rights to the field to a consortium of Iranian companies.