TEHRAN –Iranian Oil Minister Javad Oji inaugurated several major gas supply projects in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan on Thursday, Shana reported.

The projects include gas supply to nine cities of the province, a gas transmission line from Iranshahr to Chabahar, and a gas transmission line from Dashtak to Nehbandan.

As reported, over 250 trillion rials (about $500 million) have been invested in the mentioned projects.

There are several other gas projects underway in the province including providing natural gas to 140 villages and 13 towns through pipeline, some of them have made 90 percent progress, Oji said in the inauguration ceremony.

He added that the gas pipeline from Iranshahr to Chabahar is going to supply the Chabahar power plant's gas needs and the other gas pipeline, the Dashtak to Nehbandan pipeline, links 160 industrial units including two cement factories, to the cross-country gas network, ending burning oil products in the area as feed.

Before this, the province's access to the natural gas network was limited, but the National Iranian Oil Company (NIGC) efforts to expand the gas supply network have changed the situation very positively which will result in rising welfare and employment in the province, according to Oji. 

Oji also inaugurated a number of social responsibility projects in the southeastern province.

The Oil Ministry's commitments to implement social responsibility projects in the province include millions of dollars, of which a fraction has been implemented so far, the minister concluded.

According to Oji, there are several other gas projects underway in the province including providing natural gas to 140 villages and 13 towns through pipeline, some of them have made 90 percent progress.

EF/