Power Machine

The law establishing (or re-establishing) Iraq National Oil Co (INOC) has finally passed the first hurdle, by getting the approval of the council of ministers, not without some opposition as one would expect. After all, the new company to be established as a holding company with considerable powers is set to become the most important institution in the operation of Iraq’s oil sector due first to its structure and second…

Iraq: Debating the Model

5 September 2008 Since launching its first postwar licensing round in late June, Iraq’s leadership has been struggling to reach a consensus on what commercial terms would best protect long-term national interests while offering quick and efficient solutions for an oil industry worn down by years of war, sanctions and scant resources. The main issue arising from the internal debate is who should operate oil fields — the national oil…

Iraq: More Momentum

26 September 2008 Judging by the way preparations are going at the oil ministry in Baghdad, Iraq’s second postwar bid round promises to be even more controversial than the first. When launched in late June with six producing oil fields and two gas fields, the first offering was slammed by some as selling off the country’s crown jewels. According to plans now being drawn up, Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani…

Head Named for New Oil Firm in Southern Iraq

11 September 2008 Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani has named Ali Muarij, a petroleum engineer from southern Iraq, director-general of Missan Oil Co. (MOC), the first regional operating company to be set up since Iraq National Oil Co. was dismantled in 1987, Iraqi sources told International Oil Daily from Baghdad Wednesday. The cabinet in June approved the creation of MOC to operate all oil fields in Missan province in southern…