Iran is planning to spend some $9 billion...

"Construction of 5,000-6,000 kilometers of gas pipelines and 20-22 pressure control stations is included in the development plan for 2010-2015," Javad Owji said.

Iran has received investment proposals worth $20 million for the development of its gas and oil industry, he said.

The Islamic Republic has world"s second largest natural gas reserves of 974 trillion cubic feet - 15% of the planet"s total reserves.

In October 2009, Iran and Turkey signed an agreement on the joint exploration of the Islamic Republic"s South Pars gas field, bringing closer the possibility of Iran exporting natural gas to Europe via Turkey. The cost of the project is estimated at $4 billion.

MOSCOW, February 3 (RIA Novosti)