Iran has suspended some gas production at the South Pars field after an Israeli attack caused a fire, as reported by the Tasnim news agency.
This represents the first known Israeli assault on Iran’s oil and gas industry. The South Pars field, which Iran shares with Qatar, is a key component of the country’s gas production.
The incident occurred on Saturday, halting 12 million cubic metres of gas output in Phase 14 of the field. The Iranian oil ministry confirmed that the fire has been put out.
Located in Iran’s Bushehr province, the South Pars field is a major source of the nation’s gas supply. Iran ranks as the third-largest gas producer globally, with an annual output of around 275 billion cubic metres.
Due to international sanctions, this gas is primarily consumed domestically. Qatar, referring to the field as the North Field, collaborates with companies such as Exxon and Shell to produce 77 million tonnes of liquefied gas, which is exported to Europe and Asia.
Meanwhile, Israel has stopped operations at its largest natural gas field, Leviathan, citing security issues. This decision by the Energy Ministry impacts gas exports to Egypt, which heavily depends on imported energy. Chevron, the operator of Leviathan, has reduced gas shipments to Egypt.
Situated in the eastern Mediterranean, Leviathan provides gas to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Despite the tensions, production at the Tamar field, also under Chevron’s operation, continues without interruption.
These disruptions in gas production occur amid escalating tensions following Israel’s military actions against Iran.
The conflict has already affected global oil markets, with prices increasing by 9% on Friday.
