Baghdad: The Sunday newspapers focused on Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani’s statements affirming that Iraq is moving toward a strategic transformation in the energy sector, alongside his directive to form a high-level investigative committee regarding suspicions of oil smuggling.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sudani, in his speech at the opening of the Baghdad International Energy Forum, attended by the OPEC Secretary-General as well as Arab and foreign delegations, stressed that Iraq stands at a decisive crossroads that allows it to redefine its position on the global energy map, backed by oil reserves exceeding 150 billion barrels, enough to supply markets for more than 120 years.
He explained that the government’s goal goes beyond increasing conventional production to include generating added value through expanding refined oil products, investing in associated gas, and advancing clean and renewable energy projects, thereby strengthening Iraq’s economic standing and supporting local
development.
Al-Sudani also referred to Iraq’s efforts to reactivate the Iraqi-Syrian export pipeline and the commencement of work on the Basra-Haditha pipeline (685 km), in addition to proceeding with the Development Road Project, which will serve as a new corridor linking Iraq’s oil and gas exports from the Gulf to consumer markets in Turkey and Europe.
He further emphasized the importance of the forum in supporting the government’s drive to adopt modern technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation in energy management, as well as in exchanging expertise with international institutions and global companies, in line with Iraq’s ongoing industrial and developmental transformations.
Al-Zawraa newspaper, issued by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, reported that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has directed the formation of a high-level investigative committee to look into suspicions of crude oil and refined products being mixed and smuggled.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s M
edia Office, the committee, comprising specialized agencies, will examine reports of corruption linked to smuggling operations occurring both in Iraqi ports and within territorial waters. Al-Sudani stressed the need for firm action on this matter, instructing the committee to submit its recommendations to the Council of Ministers upon completing its inquiries, to enable appropriate legal measures that safeguard public funds and strengthen the national economy.
In a related context, Al-Sudani called for a review of Iraq’s crude oil export quota to better reflect the country’s real production capacity and proven reserves.
The statement further noted that the Prime Minister inaugurated the Baghdad International Energy Forum, attended by the OPEC Secretary-General, Arab and international delegations, as well as representatives of global companies and international institutions. In his remarks, Al-Sudani praised the efforts of the organizers, highlighting that the forum offers a vital platform to support the gov
ernment’s adoption of digital solutions in energy management, the use of modern technology, artificial intelligence, and automation. He added that the event serves as a venue for exchanging perspectives, exploring digital advancements, and developing studies and recommendations, particularly as Iraq undergoes rapid industrial and developmental transformations that are opening new horizons in energy production and accelerating reconstruction and growth.
He pointed out Iraq’s significant role in global energy and crude oil markets, with reserves estimated at nearly 150 billion barrels, placing it among the top ranks worldwide. This, he stressed, ensures that Iraqi oil will continue to supply global markets for more than 120 years, reinforcing Iraq’s commitment to maintaining a fair balance between the rights of producers and consumers. However, he noted that Iraq’s current export quota does not reflect its reserve size, production capacity, or population. ‘We hope there will be an understanding of Iraq’s econo
mic and developmental needs, and a reconsideration of our export quota in line with our true oil capacity. Iraq is open to oil companies willing to invest in oil and gas, and major companies will be granted preferential treatment in accordance with the country’s supreme interests,’ he stated.
Prime Minister al-Sudani added that the energy file has been central to the government’s agenda from the start, focusing on expanding the utilization of oil wealth and boosting the added value of its products. ‘We have prepared extensive infrastructure for producing petroleum derivatives and enhancing refining capacities, while also expanding existing refineries. We inaugurated the giant Karbala refinery, brought all refining units into operation, and upgraded other refineries across the country,’ he said. He further noted that Iraq has announced six investment opportunities in the refining sector to strengthen partnerships with the private sector. By 2030, he stressed, Iraq aims to shift its oil exports toward high-val
ue petroleum products rather than crude oil, with such derivatives constituting no less than 40% of total production.
He went on to explain that Iraq is working to diversify its export routes for crude oil and petroleum products, in line with rising output. ‘We have held talks to reactivate the Iraqi-Syrian export pipeline as an option for diversification. We have also begun providing flexibility in crude transport capacities, and work has already started on laying Basra-Haditha pipeline, stretching 685 kilometers,’ he said. He pointed out that the Development Road strategic project will serve as an additional corridor for transporting oil and gas from the Gulf region northward to consumption markets in Turkey and Europe. He emphasized that the gas sector is a strategic economic choice, one that strengthens Iraq’s energy security and creates opportunities to build infrastructure supporting the electricity sector.