Moscow, Baghdad in talks on Russian oil and gas equipment supplies

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
27 Feb 2025 15:39

Moscow has suggested that Baghdad adopt joint standards for oil and gas equipment to facilitate Russian deliveries, according to Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov.

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Oil tankers are seen at the Sheskharis complex, part of Chernomortransneft JSC, a subsidiary of Transneft PJSC, in Novorossiysk, one of the largest facilities for oil and petroleum products in southern Russia, on October 11, 2022. (AP)

Moscow has proposed that Baghdad implement joint standards for oil and gas equipment, a step deemed essential for facilitating deliveries from Russia, according to Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov.

Following the meeting of the Russian-Iraqi intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, and scientific-technical cooperation, he stated that efforts are underway to transition to unified standards through the Institute of Oil and Gas Technology Initiatives, ensuring alignment with international norms.

It is worth noting that Iraq intends to lower the amount of gas it burns off unproductively by around 20% this year to satisfy increasing demand and minimize imports.

At the end of 2024, Iraq had collected almost 67% of the gas generated from oil fields, and new projects in the south, including those by TotalEnergies SE, would help raise that even more, according to Ezzet Saber Ismael, deputy minister for gas affairs, in an interview in Baghdad.

Wasteful burning is slated to end by the end of 2029 or early the following year.

Previously, Russian companies attempted to participate in Iraqi equipment supply tenders, but the requirement to comply with the American Petroleum Institute standard effectively excluded them due to sanctions, the minister explained.

Established in 2020, the Institute of Oil and Gas Technology Initiatives unites energy corporations, equipment manufacturers, licensors, and general contractors. It also plays a role in shaping the national standardization system.

Tsivilyov highlighted that this restriction prevents Russian firms from bidding, despite possessing significant equipment suitable not only for oil production and refining but also for electrical systems.

He further noted that Russia has successfully addressed this issue with Kuwait and the UAE.

The minister underscored that this shift presents an opportunity to adopt standards similar to US ones but broader in scope, allowing Russian companies to participate in tenders.