Iraq’s Ministry of Oil has announced the start of well-drilling operations at the Akkas gas field in Anbar Governorate, a key step toward boosting domestic gas production and cutting import reliance (Iraqi News, 13/01/2026). The project has entered an initial fast-track production phase targeting 100 mcf/d (1 bcm/year), with later phases aiming to reach 400 mcf/d (4.1 bcm/year).
Iraq’s Midland Oil Company is leading the field’s development in partnership with the US firm Schlumberger, following a July 2025 deal to increase output. Discovered in 1992, the field holds about 158 bcm of proven natural gas reserves (KEI, 24/07/2025).