Iraqi oil minister Hayan Abdulghani plans to offer gas investment opportunities to US companies during an upcoming visit to the US, which MEES understands is to take place on 9-10 September. Iraq sought to attract foreign investors to gas plays through two licensing rounds which took place earlier this year, but appetite was disappointing.
A total of 29 blocks were offered in Licensing Round 5+ (LR5+) and Licensing Round 6 (LR6) in May, but only 13 blocks were awarded (MEES, 17 May). Of the 14 gas-focused LR6 blocks, only three were awarded, and none went to major players. (CONTINUED - 202 WORDS)