Overview of Gas Reserves in the Kurdistan Region
The Kurdistan Region is home to over ten gas fields, which collectively house reserves exceeding 30 trillion cubic feet. However, currently, only the Kormor field is operational and producing gas.
Production companies estimate that gas reserves in the region may be significantly higher than reported; nonetheless, the figures mentioned here are strictly those that have been verified.
The most recent data, updated in 2021, highlights that after Kormor, the Chamchamal field follows with confirmed reserves of 6.6 trillion cubic feet.
Gas Reserve Breakdown
| Field | Reserves (Trillion Cubic Feet) | Production Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kormor | 9.4 | 4.33 billion cubic feet produced |
| Chamchamal | 6.6 | Not produced |
| Basbawi | 4.9 | Not produced |
| Miran | 3.5 | Not produced |
| Artillery | 1.6 | Not produced |
| Sheikhan (Oil Companion) | 0.3 | Not produced |
| Khurmala | 3.6 | 0.92 billion cubic feet produced |
| Kurdamir | 2.3 | Not produced |
| Pirmam | 0.88 | Not produced |
In addition to gas fields, the Kurdistan Region has numerous oil fields. However, oil exports have been on hiatus since March 2023 due to disruptions through the Turkish port.
The Iraqi Parliament is convening today with a primary agenda item focused on the resumption of oil production. A key point of discussion is the proposed amendment to Article 12 of the three-year budget law, which stipulates the cost per barrel of oil in the Kurdistan Region at $16.
This amendment was slated for a vote at the end of the previous year but was postponed due to disagreements and protests from Shiite lawmakers. Recently, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani reiterated the government’s stance regarding the proposal in relation to the Kurdistan Region.
Jamal Kochar, a member of the Iraqi Parliament’s finance committee, stated that Shiite lawmakers have put forth new proposals aimed at regulating the Kurdistan Region’s oil and gas sectors and reinstating control within the Iraqi framework. This suggests a comprehensive amendment to both the budget and production schedules is on the horizon.
