Iraq in Talks With US, Qatari Firms for Basra-Baniyas Pipeline
Iraq's oil minister confirms negotiations with US and Qatari companies for the Basra-Baniyas pipeline project, while reiterating the country's OPEC production ceiling.
Iraq's oil minister announced on Tuesday that Baghdad is in active negotiations with a consortium comprising American and Qatari firms regarding the proposed Basra-Baniyas oil pipeline. The project, which would connect Iraqi oilfields in the south to the Syrian port of Baniyas, has been under discussion for years as a potential export route.
The minister's remarks came during a briefing where he also addressed Iraq's production strategy. He confirmed that the country remains fully committed to its quota under the OPEC agreement and will not raise output beyond 4.2 million barrels per day. This reaffirmation comes amid ongoing global discussions about supply levels and market stability.
The pipeline talks signal Iraq's continued efforts to diversify its export infrastructure, though no timeline or commercial terms have been disclosed. The involvement of US and Qatari investors underscores international interest in Iraqi energy infrastructure, even as regional geopolitical dynamics remain complex.