Iran oil ministry denies state media reports on EU oil stop

Tehran: Iran’s oil ministry denied state media reports on the Islamic state stopping its crude exports to six European countries on Wednesday.

“We deny this report ... If such a decision is made, it will be announced by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council,” a spokesman for the ministry told Reuters.

Earlier, Iran’s English language Press TV had said Tehran has stopped exporting oil to France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Netherlands and Spain.

Brent crude oil prices were up $1 a barrel to $118.35 shortly after the announcement.

The EU’s 27 member states have decided to stop importing crude from Iran from 1 July over its disputed nuclear programme, which the West says is aimed at building bombs. Iran denies this.

Iran’s oil minister said on 4 February that the Islamic state would certainly cut its oil exports to “some” European countries.

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