In a statement Bahman said, “By the end of the current Iranian calendar year 1383 (March 20, 2004-March 19, 2005) the seismological results of the field will be completely investigated and executive measures for oil recovery will be launched at the beginning of Iranian year 1384 (March 20, 2005-March 19, 2006).”

“And it is projected its production capacity will surpass this number if the development projects continues,” he added.

However, Bahman warned further exploration of new fields like Azadegan had to be done cautiously.

“Since such newly explored fields have not yet been completely explored necessary measures will be taken for a gradual increase in their production capacity,” said Bahman.

“Past oil recovery was accomplished without adequate field studies and exploration [resulted] in the loss of field pressure and a decrease in its oil reserves,” he added.