Baghdad, Iraq- Iraq’s Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul Ghani, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to investing in the gas sector as a crucial factor for driving the country’s economic and industrial development. Speaking at the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) Baghdad Conference on Monday, Abdul Ghani highlighted significant strides made in Iraq’s oil and gas industries.
He outlined key achievements, including:
- An increase in refining capacity by 380,000 barrels per day.
- Attaining self-sufficiency in diesel and kerosene production.
- Meeting 80% of gasoline demand domestically, significantly reducing imports.
- Advancing gas infrastructure projects, such as the installation of a floating platform at Khor Al-Zubair port capable of importing 500-600 mmscfd of LNG.
The minister emphasized Iraq’s strategy of implementing integrated projects that connect oil production, gas utilization, power generation, refining, and petrochemical industries. He noted the reactivation of fifth licensing round contracts and highlighted the development of key gas fields, such as Akkas and Mansouriya, with production capacities of 400 mmscfd and 300 mmscfd, respectively. Additionally, 14 new gas exploration blocks have been awarded.
Abdul Ghani also pointed out the completion of vital gas processing projects, including the Basra Gas BNGL (200 mmscfd) and Halfaya (300 mmscfd) facilities, with future expansion plans underway. He mentioned the TotalEnergies South Iraq Integrated Project, which aims to capture 600 mmscfd of gas, increase oil production to 210,000 bpd, and implement a 5 million bpd seawater injection project.
Regarding Iraq’s renewable energy initiatives, the government has secured commitments for 8,000 MW of solar power at oil field sites. Additionally, progress is being made on a 700 km, 56-inch oil pipeline from Basra to Haditha to support domestic refineries and enhance export capacity.
Addressing Kurdistan’s oil exports, Abdul Ghani confirmed that the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline (ITP) will be reactivated, following amendments to the budget law, and that preparations for its implementation are ongoing.
The minister concluded by reiterating Iraq’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, stating that oil-producing nations have a crucial role in improving energy efficiency and maintaining competitiveness through low-carbon crude production.
