Baghdad – Iraq’s parliamentary committee on oil, gas, and natural resources plans to summon Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul Ghani on Monday. The committee will also call several senior officials for urgent discussions. These discussions will focus on what the committee calls serious issues within the ministry.
MP Ali Shaddad, the committee’s spokesperson, spoke with Shafaq News. He explained that the session will, moreover, include leaders from the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) and the Oil Tankers Company. Additionally, the meeting will address a structural collapse within the ministry. Furthermore, officials suspect that foreign influence is affecting ministry operations.
According to Shaddad, a figure named “Omid” allegedly exerts control over key processes in the ministry. This concern adds to the list of challenges the ministry currently faces. The committee fears this influence may worsen existing problems.
Shaddad warned that Iraq risks facing US sanctions due to alleged mismanagement in the Oil Ministry. These sanctions could target the ministry itself and its officials. The impact on Iraq’s economy could be severe, especially considering the importance of oil revenues.
The US Treasury has previously sanctioned individuals linked to fuel smuggling and illicit finance in the region. Some of these sanctions targeted armed groups operating in Iraq and neighboring countries. The ministry’s current challenges might attract similar scrutiny.
The Oil Ministry challenges highlight weaknesses in governance and control within the sector. Parliament’s intervention signals the urgency of fixing these issues. Officials hope the upcoming session will outline clear steps to address the problems.
The committee’s move shows that Iraq is aware of the risks tied to foreign influence and internal mismanagement. By summoning top officials, lawmakers aim to restore stability and protect vital oil revenues. The Oil Ministry challenges must be tackled quickly to avoid further damage.
As Iraq depends heavily on oil income, the consequences of sanctions could disrupt public services and economic plans. The government needs to act decisively to prevent any worsening of the situation. Transparency and reform will be key to overcoming these challenges.
