Bahrain's negotiations to import gas from Iran reached a crucial stage Wednesday, with an understanding that it would import one billion cubic feet of natural gas a day.

Oil and Gas Affairs Minister and National Oil and Gas Authority chairman Dr Abdulhussain Mirza signed a framework agreement with his Iranian counterpart, Ghulam Hussain Nowzari, at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa.

The agreement will lead to concrete negotiations on price and commercial terms, Dr Mirza told our sister publication, the Gulf Daily News.

He added steps were also being taken to increase gas production at the Bahrain Field, by allowing oil companies to dig further underground.

Plans also include importing liquefied natural gas from other countries by ship, once the proper facilities are constructed in Bahrain.

'The idea is to secure enough gas supply for our future needs,' said Dr Mirza. - TradeArabia News Service