Iraq begins exports of gas liquids

BASRA, March 21, 2016 – Iraq exported its first-ever cargo of excess condensate over the weekend, the country’s Ministry of Oil announced on Sunday. Produced by Basrah Gas Company, a gas capturing joint venture between South Gas Company, Shell and Mitsubishi Corporation, the 10,000-cubic-metre (353,107 cubic feet) shipment was reportedly transported to the UAE.

Commenting on the first cargo, Iraqi Deputy Speaker Himam Hamudi said it was an “encouraging step” for the country, which is home proven gas reserves of 3.6 tcm (126.7 tcf). Its reserves notwithstanding, Iraq has had difficulties monetising its natural gas resources as a result of dilapidated infrastructure.

In 2015, Basrah Gas Company was able to ramp up gas production to a record 15.6 mcm (551 mcf) per day, with a goal of achieving a processing capacity of 36.8 mcm (1.3 bcf) per day.

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