Iraq discusses gas investment, production plans with Shell in Basra

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Oil Ministry held talks with Shell's Iraq and UAE country director, Fahir Bader, focusing on plans to boost gas output in Basra. The meeting was hosted by Nasir Aziz, the ministry's deputy minister for extraction affairs. According to a ministry statement, the two sides reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation in the gas sector and advance ongoing projects. They also discussed plans to raise production capacity at the Basra Gas Company and increase the use of associated gas recovered from various oil fields. Talks covered expanding the production and export of naphtha and liquefied petroleum gas. Aziz said gas investment ranks among the core priorities of the government and the ministry. The statement also pointed to broader objectives, including reducing gas flaring and securing fuel supplies for power plants and industrial users. No further details on specific projects or timelines were immediately available.