There are differences on basic issues between Iraq’s political parties and groups, and these are not expected to be resolved in the near future.
The effect is continued unrest despite the noticeable progress achieved by the federal government and the allied forces.
However, the report’s authors believe the situation is likely to improve further by 2009.
CGES says field activity in the short term can, however, go ahead in Anbar, Basra, Maisan, South Thi Qar (Nasiriya) and parts of Wasit, in addition to Dohuk, Erbil and part of Sulaimaniya.
But while the new Iraqi constitution has already been passed, it is said to be unclear in some of its articles and there is a need to redefine the role of the federal and regional governments in managing the petroleum resources.
This problem has been delaying the passing of the Federal Oil and Gas Law. Kurdistan has passed its own law, but its full implementation is being prevented owing to differences with the central government. In the absence of an agreement, the oil produced in Kurdistan cannot be exported across the Iraqi border.
This is a limiting factor that forces the KRG to reduce oil production and to restrict transportation by trucks while trying to refine the rest locally. Current upstream operators in Iraq are:
Several oil companies are operating in Kurdistan, while many, including the majors, have undertaken studies, trained Iraqi personnel and have been awarded contracts.
CGES says many opportunities now exist without requiring the passing of the intended Federal Petroleum Law, especially field service contracts to increase recovery and production in the south.
This report, Hydrocarbon exploration and field development in Iraq, is not the work of western desk researchers.
Rather, the principal author and chief editor of the study is Dr Thamir Uqaili, a senior petroleum engineer with 40 years’ experience in exploration and technical management in the INOC and at MOO.
Many Iraqi experts, including technical managers, geologists, geophysicists and petroleum engineers, have provided invaluable information and their professional opinions.
For more details on this highly important piece of work by CGES, contact jenni.wilson@cges.co.uk