Iran says it discovered 200 billion cubic meters of gas amid war-hit energy sector

Iran said on Sunday it had discovered more than 200 billion cubic meters of natural gas, months into the Middle East war that has hit the country's energy infrastructure and production.

How much gas has Iran discovered?

Iran's Petroleum Ministry says it found more than 200 billion cubic meters of natural gas in Fars province, with over 160 billion cubic meters considered extractable. Officials describe it as sweet natural gas, which carries lower operating and development costs than sour gas.

"New gas reserves were discovered in the south of Fars province," Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad told state television, adding that over 160 billion cubic meters could be extracted from the field. He described it as sweet natural gas, which has very little of the toxic gas hydrogen sulphide, resulting in lower operating and development costs.

According to Bloomberg, any new production from the site would likely be years away.

How has the war affected Iran's energy sector?

Iran's energy sector has taken a hit since joint US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic launched the Middle East war in late February. The countries have struck Iran's energy infrastructure, such as gas production facilities and oil depots, as well as transport routes.