Deliberations on Oil and Gas Law Postponed Again in Iraq’s Parliament
On March 13, 2025, Member of Parliament Brerar Rashid announced the postponement of discussions regarding the oil and gas law in the House of Representatives for the current legislative session.
Rashid stated that the oil and gas law is a crucial piece of legislation that has remained unresolved over several parliamentary sessions, primarily due to a lack of political consensus. He emphasized that the enactment of this law has the potential to mitigate many longstanding issues within the sector.
Current indicators suggest little movement toward the discussion of the law, leading Rashid to conclude that it will likely be deferred to the next parliamentary session. He underscored the necessity of addressing complex and delayed laws to support the establishment of state institutions and provide a clear legal framework.
Moreover, Rashid pointed out the importance of political consensus in advancing dialectical laws. He noted that if a conducive political environment is achieved, these laws could proceed, thereby ensuring fairness and clearly delineating obligations and rights among various stakeholders.
In a related development, the Parliamentary Oil, Gas, and Resources Committee confirmed that the oil law has been stalled for years due to ongoing political disagreements. The committee indicated that the existing challenges surrounding the law are unlikely to see resolution in the current legislative session, suggesting that further delays to the next parliamentary session are probable.
Summary
The impasse surrounding Iraq’s oil and gas law continues, highlighting the interplay between political dynamics and legislative progress. The anticipated delays raise questions about the future of governance and institutional development within the nation, particularly in the vital energy sector.
