The National Iranian Gas Company ‘s (NIGC) Managing Director, Hamidreza Araqi, said that India has rejected talking with Iran on gas import through Pakistan. He added that India is interested in transferring Iran’s gas through subsea lines to the country, despite the higher costs, reported Trend News Agency.

Araqi stated: “for the time being, India is not interested in extending gas pipeline from Pakistan and therefore they have withdrawn from negotiations,” according to Iranian Labour News.

Iran had started construction of a pipeline from South Pars to Pakistan’s borders, with the aim of using it to deliver gas to Pakistan and India. Yet, 180km of the project remains incomplete, since Pakistan hasn’t started construction in its territory, despite an agreement that commits Islamabad to start Iranian gas import in early 2015.

Araqi referred to the neighboring countries as the main market for the Iranian gas, noting that Iran faces no problems in selling its gas and can sell gas to many of the neighboring countries. It is noted that the country currently exports 8.4bcm/y of gas to Turkey, 18.25bcm/y to Iraq, and 10 bcm/y to Oman.