Iraq’s Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair Al-Abadi oversaw the transfer of operations for four Kirkuk oil fields to a joint operating authority on Thursday, as part of the government’s plan to develop the country’s oil and gas industry.
The transfer covers the Kirkuk, Bai Hassan, Khabbaz and Jambur fields, previously operated by the North Oil Company and the North Gas Company. The process was carried out through a video conference, according to a statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Oil.
Al-Abadi said the project aims to increase oil production to 450,000 barrels per day and process 500 million standard cubic feet of gas daily. He stressed that achieving these targets would require continuous work and close cooperation to support Iraq’s national economy.
The minister described BP as an important strategic partner in developing the fields and said cooperation between the company and Iraqi teams would help address challenges and keep the project moving forward.
He added that the Oil Ministry would provide the necessary support, with the North Oil Company and North Gas Company working on implementation and ministry officials overseeing progress in oil extraction and gas operations.
Al-Abadi also said the project would include staff training and the transfer of technical expertise and technology to Iraqi employees.
In addition to increasing oil and gas production, the project is expected to provide community services and help build facilities needed by residents in nearby areas.
The initiative is part of Iraq’s wider effort to improve production from its northern oil fields, make better use of natural gas and strengthen the country’s energy sector.
