Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec.3/ Trend G.Mehdi/
Iranian Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi has urged contractors from the private sector to procure oil and gas drilling rigs, ISNA reported.
Offshore drilling operations require expensive equipment, he said, adding that over 100 onshore drilling rigs are currently needed.
Each offshore drilling rig costs about 150,000 dollars per day in rent, while the figure is around 40,000 dollars for onshore rigs, he noted.
Qasemi has said that the ministry plans to set up a special fund for the purpose of supporting oil producers and contractors, the Shana News Agency reported.
"A plan has been drafted by the ministry and it will be submitted to the parliament in the form of a bill," he noted.
Iran plans to become self-sufficient in producing 19 strategic goods critical to oil production, Qasemi said in May.
He added that technology for manufacturing 19 of the oil goods should be indigenised by the end of the fifth five-year development plan (2015).
Strategic goods include onshore and offshore drilling rigs, pumps, turbines and precision tools, he noted.
He added that domestic production of 52 petrochemical catalysts will be started in the near future.
Global sanctions against Iran have not only not hindered the country's oil industry, but have also turned the Islamic republic into an exporter of equipment and goods, he emphasized.
"Despite all the threats from our enemies, there is no concern regarding development of the oil industry relying on the expertise and knowledge of Iranian scientists," he added.