VIENNA--Iran's oil minister met BP PLC (BP) and Total SA (TOT)
on Wednesday, in a sign of renewed interest for the country's oil
sector.
International sanctions ban Western oil companies from entering
Iran's oil fields. Earlier this week, Tehran failed to reach a
final nuclear agreement with world powers, which could have eased
such restrictions.
Speaking to reporters, Iranian oil minister Bijan Zanganeh said
he met representatives of BP PLC--the first such reported meeting
with the British oil giant--and France's Total SA to discuss a
possible entry in the country. Total, which was represented by new
Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanne, and BP have both
previously said they won't work in Iran unless sanctions are
lifted.
Separately, Mr Zanganeh also met Vagit Alekperov, president of
Russian oil giant Lukoil (LUKOY). Speaking to reporters, Mr.
Alekperov said that "as soon as sanctions [are] lifted, we are
hoping [to] enter" the country. He also said Lukoil would like to
participate in bidding round for new oil contracts which is due
early next year, but which has been postponed several times.
Lukoil currently hasn't any business with Iran and is present in
Western countries which have imposed sanctions.
Mr. Zanganeh was in Vienna for a gathering of the Organization
of the Petroleum Exporting Countries set for Thursday.
-Write to Benoit Faucon benoit.faucon@wsj.com
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