Iran is defying US sanctions by increasing its exports of liquefied petroleum gas. Gas is used for heating, cooking and as a raw material for chemical factories.
Iran became the largest fuel supplier in the Middle East last year. Iranian Oil Minister Javad Oji announced an increase in oil production by 400,000 barrels as a result of new contracts with local contractors to develop oil fields worth $13 billion. He said that international organizations recognize that Iran does not have any obstacles in selling oil at prices closer to international prices.