The news of Iran’s request to import gas from Russia, despite being the world’s second-largest holder of gas reserves, has sparked widespread reactions.
Some experts say that the agreements signed with Russia in recent years have not brought significant benefits to Iran. Importing gas from Russia might disrupt Iran’s own efforts in gas exploration and extraction.
Some analysts believe that importing gas from Russia could be an opportunity to offset shortages during the colder months.
On the other hand, this move could turn Iran into a regional gas transit hub.
Bahman Khodakarami, an energy expert, stated that importing gas from Russia has garnered a lot of attention in recent years.
He added that despite Iran being one of the largest holders of natural gas reserves in the world, importing gas from Russia seems contradictory.
Khodakarami pointed to infrastructure problems, international sanctions, and reduced investment in the energy sector, saying these issues have prevented Iran from producing and distributing gas to its full potential.
In winter, Iran faces gas shortages for domestic consumption due to high demand, an aging gas distribution network, and decreased production efficiency.
Russia sees Iran not only as a consumer but also as a potential route for exporting gas to other countries.
With Western sanctions and the war in Ukraine, Russia is looking for new export routes, and Iran could serve as a strategic corridor.
Khodakarami further stated that importing gas from Russia could help Iran use imported gas during peak consumption seasons like winter and prevent potential outages.
This would also allow Iran to export some of its domestic gas to other countries, generating revenue for the government.
According to Khodakarami, becoming a regional gas hub would help Iran strengthen its bargaining power in the region by acting as a transit route for Russia’s gas to neighboring countries.
In recent relations between Iran and Russia, the benefits of this cooperation have been more in Russia’s favor.
Russia gains access to new markets through Iran, while Iran, by becoming a regional gas hub, not only meets its domestic needs but also strengthens its geopolitical position. However, the success of this cooperation depends on managing political and economic challenges.
Mohammad Sadegh Jokar, head of the Energy Studies Institute, announced that the gas import will take place through a pipeline that passes through Azerbaijan.
Morteza Behroozi-Far, another energy expert, said that Iran is facing an imbalance, with consumption exceeding production in winter.
He added that if Iran cannot raise production to an acceptable level, importing gas from Russia will be inevitable.
Behroozi-Far stated that despite Iran’s vast gas reserves, it is forced to import gas from Russia due to infrastructure issues and an inability to attract investment.
Hassan Moradi, an energy expert, also believes that having gas reserves does not mean Iran should avoid trading with other countries.
However, beyond all these reasons, it is a political issue, not an economic one or due to shortages, that has forced Iran, despite having the world’s second-largest gas reserves, to import from Russia.
