Russia, Iran and Qatar — which are respectively ranked first, second and third in the world in terms of gas reserves — agreed to boost cooperation at a meeting in Tehran last month.
After the meeting, Iran said there was consensus to set up a gas grouping like the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Russia referred to a "big gas troika".
"Russia is interested in swapping gas with Iran," SHANA quoted the managing director of National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), Seifollah Jashnsaz, as saying.
Swaps can involve a physical exchange of gas or a financial transaction. Jashnsaz did not elaborate on the type of deal.
The NIOC managing director said the swap idea was discussed recently with Gazprom, Russia's gas export monopoly which represented Moscow at the meeting between the three gas powers in Tehran on Oct. 21.
"Now demand for gas in the world is on the rise, there is an urgent need for coordination and recognition of joint interests and points in the sector," Jashnaz was quoted as saying, adding policies should be in the interest of producers and consumers.
Gazprom officials in Russia could not immediately be reached for comment. (Writing by Edmund Blair; editing by Chris Pizzey)
