Speaking to reporters on Wednesday on the sidelines at the cabinet meeting, Mohsen Paknejad answered questions about the U.S. maximum pressure policy, noting that the necessary plans are in place to neutralize sanctions. “Although proper diversification of the country’s crude oil sales portfolio has been achieved, we will not go into detail about it,” he said.
When Paknejad vowed to bolster his efforts to reclaim his seized assets, “He should be asked about himself about it. He certainly has enough information, but the judicial ruling is final and we have to adapt.”
Regarding the 29th International Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Exhibition, the Minister of Oil said the overwhelming voter turnout indicates that Iran can meet industry needs through domestic capabilities.
At a meeting of the Iran-Russia Joint Economic Cooperation Committee in Moscow in late April, Paknejad said a series of expert-level meetings took place over several days leading to the signing of the final document with the Russian Energy Minister. The agreement covers the expansion of cooperation in oil, gas, transportation, finance, banking, trade and other areas.
He also refused to plan to raise gasoline prices, explaining that the solution would allow for premium gasoline imports, and that volume and final costs would determine pricing. “This issue is under review by the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Deregulation and Supervisory Committee, taking final steps to begin importing and distribution,” he said.
MNA/shana.ir