The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced on 30th June 2026, that the Artawi project has advanced into a crucial phase of implementation as work continues on the multi-phased gas processing venture. The development forms a central component of the government’s broader strategy to utilize 300 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) of associated natural gas during its initial operational phase. The Artawi project is regarded as a major element of Iraq’s efforts to strengthen gas utilization capacity while reducing the loss of valuable energy resources.
The update was issued following a technical site visit led by the Deputy Minister of Oil for Gas Affairs, Ezzat Saber Ismail. During the inspection, the deputy minister toured ongoing construction areas within the Artawi oil field located in Basra Governorate. The visit focused on evaluating progress across several core facilities being developed as part of the Artawi project, particularly infrastructure intended to eliminate gas flaring and improve gas recovery operations.
- Among the facilities reviewed was the AG25 Accelerated Gas Project, a fast-track recovery system designed to capture surface-level associated gas and channel it directly to the power grid.
- Ismail also examined progress at the GMP (Gas Management Plant), which will serve as the main processing installation responsible for treating and refining raw, sour gas into clean fuel.
- In addition, attention was given to the Sourcing Network, through which the planned 300 mmscf/d feedstock supply will be collected from the Artawi, West Qurna 2, and Majnoon oil fields.
The inspection was attended by the Director-General of South Gas Company (SGC), Ali Salman Majid, Artawi Project Director Abdul Rahman Hilal, and the Assistant Director-General of Basra Oil Company (BOC), Basim Al-Ghalibi.
Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to Project Delivery
During an executive technical briefing held at the site, Ismail underlined the strategic significance of completing the Artawi project as part of Iraq’s wider energy and environmental objectives.
Addressing officials and project teams, Ismail said, “The Artawi venture is not just an industrial upgrade; it is a strategic transition to secure domestic energy security. By capturing 300 mmscf/d of associated gas, we will directly power local electrical grids, slash expensive fuel import bills, dramatically reduce toxic carbon emissions, and generate massive long-term economic returns for the treasury.”
The deputy minister also instructed technical teams to remain aligned with approved engineering schedules and implementation targets. He stressed the importance of maintaining construction progress and confirmed that the Ministry of Oil would continue providing the financial and logistical support required to overcome procedural obstacles.
