Oil Ministry Unveils Plans for Exploration Blocks Development and Fuel Imports

The Ministry of Oil announced a plan to develop six new exploration blocks, aiming to boost the country's oil reserves. Ministry spokesperson Salim Al-Rikabi detailed that these blocks include Naft Khana in Diyala, Al-Khulaisiya in Anbar, Zarbatia and Al-Dhafriya in Wasit, Al-Qarnain in Najaf, plus a sixth unspecified block. Al-Rikabi also noted Al-Wasat Oil Company's efforts to raise daily production to 200,000 barrels, from its current 170,000-175,000 barrels. This aims to meet power station needs (90,000 barrels) and refinery demands (29,000 barrels). Concurrently, the Ministry revealed a new 30,000-ton gasoline shipment import via a deal with Qatar's UCC. The shipment will be transported by land from Syria's Baniyas port, with the Ministry affirming that strategic procurements are handled exclusively by the Oil Marketing Company (SOMO).