Pakistan extends Iranian pipeline deadline

Pakistani energy company Inter State Gas Systems said the last date for the submission of an expression of interest for an Iranian gas pipeline was extended. ISGS had announced an Aug. 22 date for the submission of an expression of interest for the natural gas pipeline. In its latest statement, the company said that deadline was extended to Sept. 10. A processing fee of $7,000 for the application was waived as well, the company said. Pakistan and Iran are moving closer to finalizing plans for a natural gas pipeline from the South Pars gas complex in the Persian Gulf. The Iranians say their half of the pipeline has been completed. A source close to the Pakistani government told The Nation, a Pakistani newspaper, that Islamabad was looking to China to play a role in the project. The source added that Beijing may find attractive investment opportunities in a Pakistan struggling to meet its energy demands. India was included in the initial pipeline plans but has stayed on the sidelines in recent years. New Delhi has worked with Washington on civilian nuclear energy programs and U.S. officials have expressed their reservations over the Iranian pipeline project. ISGS didn\'t give a reason for its decisions.