Iraq, Shell discuss increasing gas output from Basra’s oil fields

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq’s Oil Ministry and Shell discussed on Wednesday strategic plans to increase gas production from oil fields in the southern province of Basra.

Deputy Oil Minister for Extraction Affairs Naseer Aziz and Shell’s Managing Director for Iraq and the UAE Fakher Bader led the discussions, according to a statement cited by the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA).

The discussions focused on increasing the total production capacity of the Basra Gas Company (BGC), a joint venture between Iraq’s South Gas Company (SGC), Shell, and Mitsubishi, and speeding up the recovery of associated gas from southern oil fields.

To maximize state earnings, both parties reviewed strategies to increase naphtha production and exports.

The direct recovery of associated gas supports Iraq’s environmental goal to significantly reduce gas flaring at oil fields.

The initiative seeks to guarantee a reliable and stable fuel supply for domestic industries and power plants, thereby alleviating electricity shortages.

Amid regional transit issues impacting regular crude lines, enhancing hydrocarbon value through domestic gas networks provides Baghdad with critical financial stability.