TEHRAN, Iran, Dec.28
Trend:
It is very unlikely that Iran–Pakistan gas pipeline, also known as the 'Peace pipeline' will be operational, since Russia is seeking to enter Pakistan's gas market, said energy expert Morteza Behrouzifar, Trend reports via ILNA.
"It was even unlikely that part of the pipeline will be built in Pakistan, and there are ideological obstacles for Iran's gas export to Pakistan, along with the long distance to reach the consumers," he said.
"Meanwhile, Islamabad wanted Iran to invest in installation of the pipeline in the country that was not possible for Iran," he said.
Behrouzifar said that Iran spent 20 years trying to export gas to Pakistan and China, but the strategy turned out to be wrong.
He explained that industrial sector of Pakistan is in the west of the country, while Iran's pipeline is on the other part, thus the distance plays a big part.
"The pipeline runs mostly through desert, and areas populated with groups that have issues with Iran," he said.
"Pakistan is not a big market for Iran, and it's impossible that Iran's gas is exported from Pakistan to India and since India would not leave its energy security to a country that has problems with it. It's not justifiable for Pakistan either to invest and import gas from Iran," he said.
"If some day proper conditions emerge, for Iran's gas export there are several paths, first is Azerbaijan and Georgia, another possible option is Turkey that for years seeks to become energy hub to re-export gas," he said.
"In the current situation the best path for Iran is to export gas through Iraq and Syria and transfer it under the sea to Europe," he said.