Tehran, Feb 27, IRNA
Irans oil exports have risen further in February for a fourth consecutive month.
The rise in shipments follows an interim deal agreed in November with world powers in return for curbs on Irans nuclear programme. This, say industry sources, has improved sentiment and reduced uncertainty for buyers.
The increase in shipments is around 100,000 barrels per day (bpd), according to one tracker company, which would take Iranian exports to at least 1.30 million bpd for February.
Two cargoes were unloaded in Indonesian waters - a location sometimes used by Iran for ship-to-ship transfers.
While February is a shorter calendar month, we have seen more cargoes moving to Syria, a tracking source said.
Sales to Irans top two buyers, China and India, have remained at firm levels.
A sustained increase in exports from Iran, as well as a recovery in Libyan exports, could weigh on oil prices in 2014.
So far, though, the rise in Iranian supplies is modest and output is still much reduced from the pre-sanctions rate.
In January, the European Union and the United States eased some sanctions, including restrictions on ship insurance, which became available for the first time since mid-2012 following the deal reached in Geneva.
Vessels transporting Iranian crude have previously been left with limited alternatives, mostly set up by importers.
© IRNA 2014
