DMEA: Iraq considers tapping Qatari gas

Iraq is considering turning to Qatar for gas, moving away from its current supplier – sanction-hit Iran – according to a statement released by Iraqi news agency Alsabah on August 18.

Iraqi economist Adnan Bahiya said that Iraq would be able to obtain better prices for gas from Qatar owing to the sanctions: “Iraq will likely seek Qatari gas because of its competitive prices and better marketing terms.” He continued: “There are some advantages that could push Iraq to turn to Qatar for its gas needs, including prices, marketing and respect of the supply contract.” Bahiya added that supplies from Iran had been disrupted numerous times in the past.

The economist noted that Iraq would need to rely on Iranian gas for the next three years to operate power utilities, however, mentioned the country needed to ensure more stable supplies in future.

Bahiya’s contemporary – economist Imad Mahmadawi – agreed: “I believe that Iraq can benefit from Qatari gas imports because of their relatively low prices…besides, these supplies will be uninterrupted because they are not affected by political factors as is the case with Iranian gas.”