FACTBOX-Iran's major oil customers, foreign energy partners
Wed Nov 2, 2005
Nov 2 (Reuters) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad nominated Sadeq Mahsouli, a total unkown in the energy business, as oil minister of the world's fourth biggest crude producer on Wednesday.
It is the president's second attempt to install a candidate in the most prestigious and hotly contested post in Iran's cabinet after lawmakers rejected his first choice in August. Mahsouli now faces a parliamentary vote of confidence.
The process will be closely watched abroad as Iran supplies about 2.4 million barrels of crude to world markets each day. Many foreign firms are also pursuing investment projects in the Islamic Republic.
The following have most at stake:
* Japan -- Imports about 550,000 barrels a day of Iranian crude. Japan-led group due to invest $2 billion in a controversial deal to develop Iran's giant Azadegan oilfield.
* China -- Imports roughly 300,000 barrels a day of Iranian crude. In the running to develop Iran's promising Yadavaran oilfield, which could require investment of at least $2 billion.
* India -- Imports at least 150,000 barrels a day of Iranian crude. Iran due to supply India with liquefied natural gas (LNG) in deal valued at $22 billion. LNG exports to run for 25 years, starting from late 2009. India also angling for stake in Iran's Yadavaran oilfield. New Delhi planning a $7 billion gas pipeline from Iran through Pakistan to India.
* Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L: Quote, Profile, Research) (Britain/Netherlands) -- Buys about 200,000 barrels a day of Iranian crude. Developed the Soroush/Nowruz oilfields, which required investment of nearly $1 billion. Looking to invest in LNG plant with Spain's Repsol (REP.MC: Quote, Profile, Research).
* ENI (ENI.MI: Quote, Profile, Research) (Italy) -- Lifts roughly 60,000 barrels a day of Iranian crude. Invested in Darkhovin oilfield project, with total investment at $1 billion. Involved with Total in Doroud oilfield, which required investment of $1 billion. Also invested in smaller, Balal oilfield with Total. Has stake in South Pars gas field worth just under $2 billion.
* Total (TOTF.PA: Quote, Profile, Research)(France) -- Imports modest amount of Iranian crude. Has invested heavily in Iran's oil and gas sector. Involved in the development of the Sirri, Doroud and Balal oilfields. Invested in South Pars gas field with Malaysia's Petronas and Russia's Gazprom. Looking to invest in LNG plant.
* Korea -- Refines about 100,000 barrels a day of Iranian crude. Involved in giant South Pars gas field, investment worth about $1.6 billion.
* Turkey -- Consumes about 140,000 barrels a day of Iranian crude.
* Spain -- Lifts modest volume of Iranian crude. Hoping to invest in LNG project with Shell.
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