ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The UAE-based Dana Gas announced Monday that it will "carefully and gradually" increase production at the Kurdistan Region's Khor Mor gas field, the firm said in a statement viewed by Rudaw, citing assurances from the "highest levels" of the Erbil and Baghdad governments.
“Following updated assessments of the situation and clear assurances received from the highest levels of the [Kurdistan Regional Government] KRG and Iraqi governments, the production level at Khor Mor will be carefully and gradually increased,” the statement read.
Dana Gas added that the move aims to “support the local electricity needs of citizens in the Kurdistan Region and other parts of Iraq.”
For his part, Shaker Wajed Shaker, the UAE-based firm’s director in the Kurdistan Region, told Rudaw on Monday, "We will restore gas production to its previous levels by tomorrow, Tuesday."
In mid-July, Dana Gas had temporarily suspended all operations at the giant Khor Mor field, located near the Kurdistan Region's eastern Sulaimani province, citing "credible threats" and escalating regional tensions.
"All main production facilities associated with Khor Mor have ceased to work temporarily," the firm said at the time. The decision came against the backdrop of a series of drone attacks on the Region, including the capital city Erbil. The UAE-based firm said it would "monitor" the situation in coordination with the KRG and the federal government to reinstate production.
Earlier on Monday, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said the suspension of Dana Gas operations at the Khor Mor field "has led to a decrease in both gas and electricity production."
"We will work toward increasing gas output in the coming days," the Kurdish premier added.
The latest suspension came after Khor Mor resumed operations in mid-April after more than 42 days of disruption caused by the Iran war, which began on February 28.
Khor Mor field, located east of Sulaimani province, supplies the Kurdistan Region’s electrical and cooking gas demands. Its earlier shutdown resulted in the reduction of five to eight hours of available power in most areas as well as a sharp rise in cooking gas prices.
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Last updated at 6:25 pm
