Iraq’s oil sector progress, IOC deals hinge on outcome of parliamentary elections

The outcome of the October 10th parliamentary elections will influence the progress of Iraq’s oil sector and the finalization of numerous key deals with international oil companies signed during the one-and-a-half year tenure of Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s government. Oil Minister Ihsan Ismaael has managed to sign several deals with international oil, gas and power companies, but most of these agreements are not final and their implementation will depend on the next government. The most high profile deal is a $27 billion agreement with TotalEnergies that includes four projects. Help from international oil companies is needed if Iraq is to fulfill its plans to boost its oil production capacity beyond the estimated 5 million b/d.