The Fars New Agency reported that the Chinese government signed US$1.2 billion deal with National Iranian Tanker Co. to build six liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers over the next 20-25 years to transport LNG from Iran to China.

Mohammad Souri, president of National Iranian Tanker, said that the company could begin preparations for LNG exports as early as 2012 pending the Iranian government provides the necessary credits for the tankers, which cost between $200-220 million each. – Frank Nieto