Iraq Raises Associated Gas Utilisation Rate to 70% in 2025, Oil Ministry Official Says

Moscow / NINA /— Iraq has made significant progress in capturing associated gas and boosting domestic production, with the utilisation rate rising from approximately 53% in 2022 to 70% in 2025, supported by government initiatives to develop the vital sector, Deputy Oil Minister for Gas Affairs Izzat Saber Ismail said.

Ismail, who heads the Iraqi delegation participating in the meetings and the 8th Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Moscow, said Iraq’s participation provides an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation with member states, exchange expertise and technology, and benefit from international experience in developing the gas industry and maximising the use of national resources.

He said the meetings are addressing developments in global gas markets, security of supply and ways to meet growing energy demand. Iraq, he added, will emphasise the importance of dialogue and coordination among member states to promote market stability and enhance the role of natural gas in economic development.

Ismail noted that Iraq’s address will highlight completed and ongoing projects to capture associated gas in Halfaya, Basra, Faihaa and Artawi. These projects are vital to securing fuel supplies for power generation plants, supporting domestic industries and reducing gas flaring and its environmental impact.

He attributed the acceleration of gas development projects and the expansion of the necessary infrastructure to government support and the Ministry of Oil’s commitment to the sector. These efforts, he said, are helping increase domestic production, reduce reliance on imported gas and meet the needs of the electricity and industrial sectors.

Ismail stressed that Iraq seeks to expand investment opportunities and international partnerships in gas processing, transportation and infrastructure development through its participation in the forum. Such cooperation, he said, would contribute to achieving self-sufficiency, strengthening energy security and enhancing Iraq’s position in the regional and international gas industry.

He also expressed Iraq’s appreciation to the Gas Exporting Countries Forum for hosting and organising the meetings, voicing hope that their outcomes would strengthen cooperation among member states and advance their shared interests./ End