2025-01-28T12:10:17+00:00
Abdullah Al-Qadi, the CEO of Hilal Oil Company based in the UAE, emphasized the potential for Diyala Governorate to become a key hub for gas industry development in Iraq. This statement was made during a dialogue session at the “Iraq Energy” conference.
Al-Qadi expressed a desire to accelerate the development of the Al-Khashim Al-Ahmar field in Diyala. However, he noted that interactions with Iraqi state institutions have hindered rapid progress in production timelines. He highlighted that the company had successfully replicated its experience with the Kormore field in Sulaymaniyah within 15 months, thanks to the support and delegated powers from the Kurdistan Regional Government. In contrast, progress with the Al-Khashim Al-Ahmar project has been complicated by bureaucratic procedures, although he assures that the project is on track for completion within the next two years.
Furthermore, Al-Qadi mentioned that investment opportunities in gas fields within the province could significantly contribute to the gas industry’s growth in Iraq, suggesting linkages with nearby fields such as Ajil and those in Sulaymaniyah.
In 2023, the Iraqi Ministry of Oil entered into a memorandum of understanding with the UAE Crescent Oil Company, aiming to develop three oil and gas fields in Iraq as part of the fifth licensing round for gas investment. This endeavor is set to harness an estimated output of 400 million standard cubic feet from the Khashm Al-Ahmar, Kanaba, and Khadr Al-May fields.