Iraq has officially begun drilling operations at the Akkas gas field in Anbar province, a move the Oil Ministry says marks a major step toward strengthening domestic gas output and reducing reliance on imports.
Akkas — one of Iraq’s largest gas fields — has entered its first phase of accelerated production with an initial capacity of 100 million standard cubic feet (scf) per day.
Additional phases are planned to raise output to 400 million scf per day.
The field is being developed by the state‑run Midland Oil Company in partnership with U.S. oilfield services firm SLB, formerly Schlumberger.
The two sides signed a development agreement in July 2025 as part of broader government efforts to expand investment in the gas sector.
Iraq holds an estimated 132 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, but much of the associated gas produced alongside oil is flared due to insufficient capture infrastructure.
As a result, the country depends heavily on imported gas to power its electricity plants.
The government says it is now prioritizing projects that curb flaring and expand domestic gas production to move toward energy self‑sufficiency.
