In this May 25, 2020 file photo, crewmen speak aboard the Iranian oil tanker Fortune during its arrival to El Palito refinery near Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. (ERNESTO VARGAS / AP)
TEHRAN – Iranian Petroleum Minister Javad Owji said on Sunday that Iran has started refining its crude oil in Venezuela, SHANA news agency affiliated to his ministry reported.
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Iran had started processing some 100,000 barrels per day of its crude in Venezuela's El Palito refinery, Owji was quoted by SHANA as saying.
According to Press TV, Iran signed a $116 million contract with Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA in May to repair and expand the refinery
"This was a long-standing and 43-year-old dream that was realized through the efforts of my colleagues at the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC)," he said.
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Jalil Salari, head of NIORDC, said on Sunday that efforts are underway to expand Iran's refinery operation in overseas projects.
According to Press TV, Iran signed a $116 million contract with Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA in May to repair and expand the refinery.
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