Iraq to take part in Bangkok international gas expo next month

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq will attend an international natural gas and liquefied natural gas expo scheduled for next month in Bangkok, Thailand, according to a source at Iraq's Oil Ministry. Deputy Minister for Gas Affairs Izzat Sabir Ismail has been invited to Gastech 2026, organized by U.S.-based Baker Hughes. The ministry said the event is expected to draw more than 1,000 companies from 150 countries, along with over 50,000 energy-sector representatives. Officials said Iraq's participation would help the country adopt current methods in gas production, reduce emissions, advance digital transformation in the energy sector, and track shifts in the global gas market. According to a World Bank report based on 2025 data, Iraq, Russia and Iran together flared 84 billion cubic meters of gas, accounting for roughly half of global gas flaring. The three countries were listed among the leading contributors to the worldwide increase in flaring volumes. Global gas flaring rose for a third consecutive year in 2025, reaching 167 billion cubic meters, the highest level in six years, the World Bank report said.