Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 30
By Aygun Badalova - Trend:
Iranian crude exports are seen increasing to around 2.2 million barrels per day in September from an expected average of 2.1 million barrels per day in August, International Oil Daily (IOD) reported referring to the National Iranian Oil Co. (NIOC) sources.
The expected uptick in exports, based on present shipping schedules, is driven by a mix of "new customers and increased demand for our crude," with China, India, Japan and Europe taking the bulk, one senior NIOC source told IOD.
A second source at the state oil firm said the expected lifting of 2.2 million barrels per day of Iranian crude in September is driven by "requirements from our customers."
Exports to Europe are seen rising further because "some companies haven't started their term contracts yet and we are still negotiating with some," the source added.
Iran was producing more than 3.8 million barrels per day during the pre-sanctions era in 2011, of which 2.2 million barrels per day was being exported.
The sanctions on Iran were eliminated in January 2016 and the country's output has increased to 3.65 million barrels per day since then, and the export has surpassed 2 million barrels per day.
Iran President Hassan Rouhani said on Aug.24 that Iran's oil output has reached 3.85 million barrels per day, but it is unclear how much Iran wants to increase its output exactly.