Decline in North Gas Company Operations Raises Concerns
The head of the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee, Arshad Al-Salhi, expressed significant concerns regarding a marked decline in operations at the North Gas Company. He characterized the situation as one where "mountains of sulfur" remain unaddressed due to inadequate government marketing efforts.
Recent Developments in Iraq’s Oil and Gas Sector
In a related context, Iraq has recently formalized an agreement with BP to rehabilitate and enhance four oil and gas fields situated in Kirkuk. The first phase of this initiative aims to achieve a production capacity of approximately 3 billion barrels of oil. This project is designed to not only leverage the associated gas but also to rehabilitate and expand gas processing facilities at the North Gas Company. Furthermore, a new 400-megawatt power plant is slated for construction to support the objectives of this integrated project.
Need for Strategic Review and Technical Expertise
Accompanying this development, Al-Salhi, who also serves as a deputy for Kirkuk, emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the North Gas Company’s operations. He suggested that the company must engage specialized technical professionals whose expertise would contribute significantly to increasing production levels. Notably, he highlighted the paradox of Iraq possessing gas resources while still relying on imports from Iran and Turkmenistan.
Al-Salhi stressed the importance of appointing qualified specialists based on merit rather than political affiliations, asserting that the quality of expertise in key positions directly influences the company’s performance and its overall gas production capacity.
Addressing Sulfur Production Challenges
Additionally, Al-Salhi noted that the North Gas Company is generating considerable quantities of sulfur, which are currently stockpiled without any clear strategy for sale or investment. This issue underscores the urgency for effective management solutions to optimize the company’s output and improve its financial sustainability.
Conclusion
As Iraq continues to navigate its oil and gas sector’s challenges and opportunities, the call for technical innovation and strategic management within companies like North Gas is more critical than ever. The current landscape presents both risks and possibilities, making the engagement of skilled professionals imperative for future growth and stability.
