Total, BP Snub Oil, Gas Exhibit

International energy majors Total S.A. and BP Plc have opted not to participate in Iran's upcoming annual oil exhibition that will get underway later this week, director of public relations at the National Iranian Oil Company said Monday, Mehr News Agency reported.

"Many top-flight oil companies, including BP and Total, did not want to participate in the 22nd Iran oil exhibition this year and will only send their representatives to assess investment opportunities," Mohammad Naseri told a press briefing.

The 22nd International Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Exhibition, dubbed as the Iran Oil Show, will be held on May 6-9 in Tehran. It is the largest annual gathering in Iran's petroleum industry. BP had opted out of Tehran's new oil and gas deals over the renewed US-Iran tensions, while Total has said its future in Iran's energy market, particularly in a multibillion-dollar project in the South Pars Gas Field, hinges on sanctions relief. According to Naseri, companies from China and Germany have the biggest participation in the oil exhibit.