Fact Check: "Iran shares the South Pars field with Qatar, which produces 77 million tonnes of liquefied gas from the field."
What We Know
The South Pars/North Dome gas field, located in the Persian Gulf, is the world's largest natural gas field, with ownership shared between Iran and Qatar. The field is divided into two sections: South Pars in Iranian territorial waters and North Dome in Qatari waters. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the field contains approximately 1,800 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 50 billion barrels of natural gas condensates. The Qatari section of the field is reported to produce around 77 million tonnes of liquefied gas annually, which is facilitated by partnerships with major global energy companies like Exxon and Shell, supplying gas to markets in Europe and Asia (Reuters, The Jerusalem Post).
Analysis
The claim that Iran shares the South Pars field with Qatar is accurate, as both countries exploit this extensive gas reserve. The production figure of 77 million tonnes of liquefied gas attributed to Qatar is corroborated by multiple sources, including recent reports following an incident at the South Pars field where production was temporarily halted due to an Israeli drone strike (Reuters, The Jerusalem Post).
The reliability of these sources is generally high; Reuters and The Jerusalem Post are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The information from the IEA is also credible, as it is a reputable international energy agency. However, it is important to note that while the production figures are consistent across these reports, the actual output can fluctuate due to geopolitical events, technical challenges, and market conditions.
Moreover, the South Pars field's production capabilities and its shared nature with Qatar have been well-documented in various energy reports and academic articles, which further supports the claim's validity (Wikipedia).
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that Iran shares the South Pars field with Qatar, which produces 77 million tonnes of liquefied gas from the field, is substantiated by credible sources and aligns with established data regarding the field's production and ownership.
