Tehran Does Not Feel Bound By OPEC Quotas

A view of a petrochemical complex in the Assaluyeh seaport on Iran's Persian Gulf coast

Iran said on December 4 that it plans to boost oil production once sanctions are lifted.

Iran is currently pumping more than 1 million barrels a day less than its normal production level of 4 million barrels a day.

Petroleum Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh, speaking at the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), said Iran would increase its production without regard to quotas set by OPEC.

It is feared the Iranian move could change the balance in oil markets and the price of oil.

Markets could also face additional oil volumes from Libya and Iraq.

In the past, large producers like Saudi Arabia have volunteered to cut their output to keep prices at desired levels.

Iran and six world powers agreed last month to a deal in which parts of Iran’s nuclear program will be curbed.

In return, Iran receives limited sanctions relief.

The agreement has been given a timeframe of six months so that Iran and the world powers -- the United States, Russia, France, Germany, China, and Britain -- will have time to negotiate what would be envisioned as a more permanent settlement.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa