Iraq’s latest effort to boost its upstream sector has seen it take a leaf from neighboring Iran – prioritize the development of border fields. It is offering nine blocks up to international firms, but disputed internal boundaries and an incomplete maritime boundary could complicate matters.

Iraq’s Oil Ministry says that prequalified companies can acquire additional information on the projects for $100,000. It does not name which companies are prequalified. However, 19 firms were prequalified for an earlier offering made in October, which was subsequently halted (MEES, 28 October 2016). (CONTINUED - 947 WORDS)