Baghdad: Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs, Oil Minister, Eng. Hayan Abdul Ghani Al-Sawad, announced the signing of a contract with Schlumberger to increase production at the Akkas gas field to 100 million standard cubic feet per day. He also revealed a memorandum of principles with Chevron to develop four exploration blocks under Dhi Qar Oil Company, in addition to the Balad oil field.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, during his chairmanship of the eighth session of the Ministry's Council of Opinion, Al-Sawad emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening partnerships with leading international companies, particularly American firms, as part of its plans to advance the oil and gas sectors.

The minister also reviewed key achievements made by the ministry during the current month, including the inauguration of Dahoun Refinery at the North Refineries Company, which will cover nearly 70% of the country's domestic demand. He further confirmed that Iraq has already achieved self-sufficiency in gasoil and kerosene.

Al-Sawad added that the ministry is working toward achieving self-sufficiency in gasoline production within this year through the completion of the FCC project in Basra and the Naphtha Improvement Project in Kirkuk, along with other ongoing projects.