Iran has finalised a deal to export diesel fuel to Iraq, making it a net exporter of gas oil for the first time, the managing director of Iran's national oil distribution company was quoted as saying by state media on Saturday.

"The contract with Iraq has been finalised and the diesel export has already started," Nasser Sajjadi was quoted as saying by state news agency Irna.

Iran had to import diesel fuel until last year according to the managing director of NIOPDC.

Afghanistan and Pakistan were also purchasers of Iran's diesel fuel, according to Iranian officials.

In July, NIOPDC said the export of all kinds of oil products - except gasoline - was on Iran's agenda. Tehran is seeking to export 12 million litres of gas oil (diesel fuel) and 40 million litres of fuel oil on a daily basis in the current Iranian year. – Reuters