Iraq Reports Progress in Associated Gas Utilisation at Moscow Energy Summit

Iraqi Ministry of Oil

Undersecretary of Iraq's Ministry of Oil for Gas Affairs Izzat Sabir Ismail.

Iraq is making tangible progress in capturing and utilising associated gas while expanding national production, Undersecretary of Iraq's Ministry of Oil for Gas Affairs Izzat Sabir Ismail said on Monday.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Oil received by PUKMEDIA, Ismail is leading the Iraqi delegation at meetings of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Moscow, Russia.

Ismail said Iraq’s participation in the forum’s meetings and eighth summit would strengthen the country’s presence in international energy forums and broaden cooperation with member states. He added that Iraq aims to develop its gas industry and make the most effective use of its national resources.

The meetings began on Sunday and will continue until 27 October 2026 at the World Trade Centre in Moscow. The programme includes an extraordinary session of the Executive Board, the 28th Ministerial Meeting and the eighth summit of heads of state and government from member countries.

Ismail described the gatherings as an important opportunity to exchange views on developments in global gas markets, challenges to supply security and ways to meet rising energy demand.

He said Iraq’s address would highlight the importance of dialogue and coordination among member states in maintaining stability in global gas markets. It would also emphasise the role of natural gas in economic development, while recognising each country’s national circumstances and development priorities.

The address is also expected to outline Iraq’s progress in capturing and utilising associated gas, thereby reducing flaring. According to Ismail, the utilisation rate rose from around 53 per cent in 2022 to approximately 70 per cent in 2025.

He said projects completed or under way in Halfaya, Basra, Faihaa and Artawi would also be highlighted, with their contribution to electricity generation, local industries and reducing environmental impacts.

Ismail stressed that associated gas utilisation remained a strategic priority for the Iraqi government and the Ministry of Oil. Government support, he said, had accelerated projects and infrastructure development, helping increase domestic production, reduce gas flaring and reliance on imports, and meet the needs of power plants and local industries.

He added that the meetings would provide opportunities to discuss cooperation with other delegations, exchange expertise and technology, and attract investment in gas processing, transportation and infrastructure.

Ismail reaffirmed Iraq’s ambition to achieve self-sufficiency, expand production capacity and strengthen its position in the regional and global gas industry, noting that developing the country’s gas resources was essential to strengthening the national economy and energy security.

He also thanked the GECF for hosting the meetings and expressed hope that their outcomes would strengthen cooperation and partnerships among member states.



PUKMEDIA