Basra: The Ministry of Oil discussed plans with Shell on Wednesday to increase the production capacity of the Basra Gas Company and expand the production of associated gas from several oil fields.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the office of the Deputy Minister of Oil for Extraction Affairs stated in a press release that “Deputy Minister of Oil for Extraction Affairs, Naseer Aziz, met with the Director of Shell in Iraq and the UAE, Fakher Bader. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance cooperation and develop joint projects in the gas sector.”

The statement added that “the Deputy Minister listened to a briefing presented by Fakher Bader on the company’s plans to increase the production capacity of the Basra Gas Company and expand the production of associated gas from several oil fields, as well as plans to increase the production and export of naphtha and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which will contribute to maximizing the utilization of hydrocarbon resources and supporting revenues.”

The Undersecretary affirmed, according to the statement, that “investment in gas is a top priority for the government and the Ministry of Oil, given the sector’s strategic importance in supporting the energy system, reducing gas flaring, enhancing fuel supplies for industries and power plants, and increasing the economic value of national resources.”

He emphasized “the importance of continuing to develop gas projects, improving their efficiency and production capacities, and working to expedite plans that contribute to optimizing associated gas investment and strengthening Iraq’s production and export capabilities.”