By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Dec. 3 -- The Iran-Turkey gas pipeline will be operational by yearend, said Turkish Commercial Counselor Osman Bakaroglu, quoted by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' news agency.
International inspectors were examining the line, a process that began in July, he said. As soon as the inspection was completed the line would be inaugurated.
In 1997, the two countries agreed that Iran would export 10 billion cu m (bcm)/year of gas to turkey for 25 years. Over the contract, Turkey would import 225 bcm of gas.
The line will initially supply 3 bcm/year to Turkey, increasing the deliveries gradually to 10 bcm/year in 2007.
The line extends 2,557 km into Turkey and is expected to supply 57 villages by 2003.
Reports earlier in the year said the two sides had agreed to start trading during the second half of September; however, Turkey had not implemented the deal. Some analysts believe Turkish officials delayed the opening of the pipeline until they were sure they would need the gas.