The Ministry of Oil continues to implement targeted programs aimed at upgrading natural gas infrastructure and reducing associated gas flaring, announcing preparations to bring a new package of vital facilities into operational service across the country. These upcoming developments include
the Zubair-Mishrif gas venture, low-pressure gas gathering systems, the Um Qasr rehabilitation initiative, and the complete refrigerated gas facility, all designed to maximize economic returns and strengthen sovereign processing and production capacities. Regarding the timeline for curbing environmental waste and
ending routine flaring within Basra Gas Company operations, ministry spokesman Salim al-Rikabi explained that current expectations point toward achieving a total phase-out during 2029. While prior frameworks aimed for completion by 2028, prevailing conditions prompted a moderate adjustment to the
target period. On the operational level, Basra Gas Company aims to attain a production capacity of 2,000 million standard cubic feet per day by processing associated gas from three primary oilfields: Rumaila, West Qurna 1, and Zubair. Official figures indicate
that utilized gas volumes will reach a peak of 1,400 million standard cubic feet per day by late 2027 or 2028. At present, the operational processing capacity stands at 1,400 million standard cubic feet per day, alongside 330 million standard
cubic feet daily of surplus gas. The ministry’s forward-looking strategy involves executing major strategic ventures to raise operational capabilities throughout Iraq's energy sector. Prominent among these works is the Artawi gas development, designed with a capacity of 600 million standard
cubic feet per day across two distinct stages, alongside the Bin Omar project, which will also be delivered in two stages with a capacity of 300 million standard cubic feet daily.
