Iran Plans New Pipeline with Russia to Import 110 bcm Natural Gas Annually

SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Iran plans to build a major new pipeline capable of importing 110 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas annually from Russia, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali announced Thursday.

Details of the expansive transit infrastructure were discussed during a recent meeting between Major General Mohsen Rezaei and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Iranian news outlet Al-Alam.

The ambitious project will unfold in stages, with the initial phase designed to transport 55 bcm annually. Officials expect construction on this primary phase to wrap up within two to three years.

General principles governing the strategic energy corridor received approval during a recent trilateral summit involving the presidents of Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan.

Implementation now hinges on a final agreement regarding gas pricing between the National Iranian Gas Company and its counterpart in Moscow.

Jalali noted that finalizing this pricing structure remains the last remaining step before formal contracts take effect following Rezaei’s discussions with Putin.

While construction of the main high-capacity pipeline gets underway, Tehran is pursuing intermediate transport solutions.

In the short term, Iran intends to leverage existing regional pipeline networks to jumpstart initial flows.

However, bringing these older lines into active operation will require targeted rehabilitation work and close trilateral coordination among Iranian, Russian, and Azerbaijani energy authorities.

As the fastest viable short-term option, officials are actively negotiating a gas-swap arrangement across the Caucasus.

Under the proposed trade framework, Russia would deliver natural gas to northern Azerbaijan, while an equivalent volume would be transferred to Iran from southern Azerbaijan.

The proposed 110-bcm infrastructure project represents a significant shift in regional energy dynamics, deepening economic ties between Moscow and Tehran while positioning Azerbaijan as a central transit link for Eurasian gas supply routes.

Courtesy: www.pipeline-journal.net