INA - WASHINGTON
Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair announced on Saturday that ongoing projects in the Mansouriya and Akaz gas fields aim to meet all domestic gas needs and eliminate imports.
“The Ministry is conducting a study to construct a strategic pipeline extending from Basra to Kirkuk, and from there to Ceyhan and Banias, to diversify export routes,” Khudair told the Iraqi News Agency - INA from Washington, D.C.
He added that “the issue of flaring gas will be completely resolved by the end of 2028 and the beginning of 2029. There are important and ongoing projects proceeding in parallel in major gas fields such as the Mansouriya and Akaz fields, in addition to other fields."
“These projects ultimately aim to secure the required quantities of gas domestically, leading to the complete elimination of gas imports and achieving self-sufficiency," he pointed out.
In a related matter, the minister affirmed that "the Ministry has a clear vision and strategy based on diversifying Iraqi oil export routes and not relying solely on the Strait of Hormuz. The plan includes expanding the Turkish port of Ceyhan."
Khudair indicated that "this approach emerged from discussions and the signing of a memorandum of understanding with a consortium comprising two American companies, Chevron and TE Capital, in addition to the Qatari company UC."
“The Ministry is currently conducting a study on how to construct a strategic pipeline extending from Basra to Kirkuk, and from there to the port of Ceyhan," noting that "the project also includes a study on extending a branch of this pipeline to the Syrian port of Banias."
He highlighted, "The second phase of this strategic plan includes a study for another branch extending to the Jordanian port of Aqaba."
