Iran Threatens To Expel Chinese Oil Contractor

Tehran, Feb 24, IRNA – Iranian Oil Ministry warned a Chinese contractor of dismissal from an oil project due to its foot-dragging, a deputy oil minister said on Sunday. “The Petroleum Ministry has not yet made any decision, but it has warned the Chinese contractor of expropriation,” Emad Hosseini told the Oil Ministryˈs Shana News Agency. “In case the Oil Ministry concludes that the contractor involved in the development of South Azadegan field lacks the necessary capacities, it will be dealt with legally and without hesitation,” he said. Hosseini expressed regret that some “ineffective and unsuccessful Chinese companies” have been present in Iran’s oil projects in recent years. Last Tuesday, Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said China’s oil giant, CNPCI, is facing the prospect of expropriation in a major oil field in Iran should it continue dragging feet on the development project. “The performance of the Chinese company is not assessed as favorable and the necessary warnings for expropriation have been given to this contractor,” Zanganeh said./end