IRAQ’S O&G OUTPUT UNABATED
Move has nothing to do with security as no single personnel from other foreign firms withdraw, says minister
THE evacuation of some Exxon Mobil Corp workers is “unacceptable and unwarranted” because it has nothing to do with the security situation in southern Iraq, according the country’s energy minister.
“This withdrawal may send the wrong message about the situation in Iraq, and that’s something we reject,” Iraq’s Oil Minister Thamir Ghadhban said in a statement on Saturday.
The minister sent a letter to Exxon officials seeking clarification about the decision and asking that the workers return to Iraq.
Ghadhban said in an interview on Saturday that Exxon pulled about 80 people from Iraq. Oil and gas output continues unabated from all fields in the country. “No single personnel from other foreign companies withdrew,” he said.
Exxon’s decision to pull staff is “precautionary and temporary”,
said Abdul Jabbar Abbas Mohammed, who heads the operations committee of West Qurna-1 field which is operated in partnership with the US company.
The field is producing between 450,000 to 480,000 barrels a day and is operated by the Iraqi engineers, he said.
Exxon didn’t provide specifics about its staffing in Iraq. “ExxonMobil has programmes and measures in place to provide security to protect its people, operations and facilities,” it said in an emailed statement.
The US ordered its non-emergency government staff to leave Iraq this week amid increasing Middle East tensions that American officials are blaming on Iran.
“For us, there is no reason calling them to withdraw,” said Ghadhban, referring to Exxon.
Lukoil PJSC, BP Plc and Italy’s Eni SpA work in nearby fields including West Qurna-2, Rumaila and Zubair.
“The region, south of Iraq, is all secured and peaceful. Work is going on without any halt.”
Basrah Gas Co, which operates a major gas field in southern Iraq with Royal Dutch Shell Plc, hasn’t made staff changes.
“So far there is no intention for Shell to withdraw,” said spokesman Shaalan Al-Darraji.