Three oil fields in northern Iraq halt operations amid regional tensions

The Shaikan oilfield in northern Iraq. Photo: Gulf Keystone Petroleum Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Foreign oil firms have temporarily suspended production at three oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan to protect workers and facilities amid fears of attacks targeting energy infrastructure. The suspension included the Shaikan, Atrush, and Sarsang fields, which are among the major producing fields in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The operating companies took the decision due to mounting security concerns, although the facilities have not yet suffered direct damage. The developments come at a time when Iraqi Kurdistan’s oil reserves are under growing threat, with worries of possible assaults on oil fields and facilities as tensions between the United States and Iran rise. The companies confirmed that the suspension is temporary, with security conditions being assessed on a daily basis. They will resume operations as soon as safety conditions improve, ensuring the protection of employees and oil assets. Gulf Keystone Petroleum has announced a temporary halt in production at the Sheikan field as a precautionary measure due to the worsening security situation in the region. The firm noted that the move is consistent with the practice of other foreign oil corporations operating in Iraqi Kurdistan. It stated that all of its assets and field facilities were unharmed and that the suspension was primarily for safety concerns. The Shaikan field’s current production rate hit 45,000 barrels per day, making it one of northern Iraq’s major producing fields. Canada-based ShaMaran Petroleum also announced the suspension of oil production and exports from the Atrush and Sarsang fields due to the deteriorating security situation in the region. ShaMaran Petroleum confirmed that the decision was made in collaboration with its partners to ensure the safety of employees and facilities. The company indicated that production will resume once the security situation stabilizes. The Sarsang oil field in the northern Iraqi province of Duhok has a production capacity of approximately 30,000 barrels per day. The Atrush oil field is located around 85 kilometers northwest of Erbil. The field’s operations commenced in July 2017, with an initial production rate of roughly 34,000 barrels per day. According to estimates, the oil field contains up to 2.6 billion barrels of oil in its reservoirs. The Atrush oil field is among the biggest in Iraqi Kurdistan, where undiscovered oil resources are estimated at more than 40 billion barrels.