Official: Russia can ship $45 bln goods to Iran for oil

MOSCOW, Mar 13 (PRIME) -- Russia can deliver U.S. $45 billion worth of goods to Iran annually under a goods-for-oil program, trade representative to Iran Andrei Lugansky told PRIME in an interview published on Monday.

“The total cost of goods under the program can be valued at $45 billion a year now. If a world region begins to take Iranian oil from Russian hands and the program works to full extent, the entire 50%, which must be filled with Russian goods will be filled instantly. The Iranian needs in the Russian industry are huge,” Lugansky said.

He said that the payment for Iranian oil will be done half with money, and half with goods. Russia plans to supply goods for the railways first.

On February 21, Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA) reported citing Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh that the country plans to sign an agreement to sell 100,000 barrels of oil a day to Russia within the next 15 days and receive payment half in cash and half in goods and services.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak later confirmed the information.

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