Iraq reveals a new contract with Iran on gas supplies

Economy

20-04-2022, 23:00

INA - BAGHDAD

Iraqi Ministry of Electricity announced its intention to sign a new contract with Iran regarding gas supplies, while noting that the connection with Turkey has been 100% completed.

"A government delegation was supposed to visit Iran to resolve the issue of gas supplies and rates,” the ministry’s spokesman, Ahmed Musa, said in a statement to Al-Iraqiya News TV, followed by the Iraqi News Agency - INA, noting that “the visit was postponed based on the hosting of the Minister of Electricity and the advanced staff in the ministry today in the Parliament,".

He added, "The ministry explained its preparations, needs, and what it has before the people's representatives, and therefore the understanding was clear," noting that "the delegation will visit Iran at the beginning of next week, and perhaps a contract will be signed that includes new commitments between the two parties in terms of high and low prices,"

"The ministry began last year to embark on a plan in preparation for the summer, as the plan included the completion of periodic and emergency maintenance and the introduction of transport lines that were disrupted linked with the provinces," he added.

He explained that, "the ministry's plans aim to introduce from 4000 to 4500 megawatts into the national system as our equipment is almost integrated for all of Iraq's governorates with moderate temperatures,".

He stressed that "the hours of processing are affected by the guarantee of the fuel plan," noting that "when the allocations are available and to ensure the provision of fuel, this summer will be better than previous seasons,".

Regarding the electrical connection with neighboring countries, Musa indicated that "the electrical connection with Turkey has been completed by 100%," noting that "what delays the line's entry into force is that the Turkish electricity network is linked to the European Union, and a preliminary approval has been obtained for this connection,".

He indicated that "the ministry is continuing its discussions with the Turkish side, and we are waiting in the coming days to bring the connection into effect, which will add 500 megawatts to the energy system,".

"As for the connection with Jordan, work is underway to examine the soil and ensure that it is free of war remnants, to start work on the Al-Qaim-Risha line," he included.