Iran says it's importing petrol from RIL

Iran is importing petrol from Indian companies, including Reliance Industries (RIL), National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) Managing Director Seifollah Jashnsaz said today.

"Without specifying any particular company, I can say we import gasoline (petrol) and gas oil (diesel) from India," he told reporters here.

Asked if RIL was one of the suppliers, he said, "The answer is positive."

The NIOC official is scheduled to travel to Mumbai tomorrow and may meet RIL executives.

RIL's 1.24 million barrels per day Jamnagar refining complex in Gujarat exported 6.08 million tonnes of petrol and diesel in July-September quarter, up from 4.5 million tonnes in the previous quarter and 3.76 million tonnes a year ago.

He said at the moment Iran was not importing diesel but in 2009 it had done so and would do as when the need arises.

RIL's petrol shipments to the Middle East region rose about 34 per cent to 8,23,900 tonnes in July-September quarter. Industry watchers say the company may not be exporting the fuel directly to Iran as US pressures refiners worldover to limit gasoline exports to put pressure on Tehran for its disputed nuclear programme.