Iran says new gas field found as war hits energy

Iran said Sunday it had discovered a natural gas field in southern Fars province with more than 200 billion cubic metres of gas, as its energy sector faces damage from the Middle East war.

Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad told state television that more than 160 billion cubic metres could be extracted from the field. He said it contains sweet natural gas, which has very little hydrogen sulphide and can reduce operating and development costs.

Bloomberg said any new production from the site would likely be years away.

Iran's energy sector has been hit since joint US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic began the Middle East war in late February. Energy infrastructure including gas production facilities, oil depots and transport routes has been struck.