An oil field in Kirkuk, May 10, 2026. Photo: Screengrab/ Rudaw
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - British Petroleum (BP), an energy giant, has resumed operations in Iraq’s oil-rich Kirkuk province after suspending activities in March due to the United States and Israel's war with Iran.
The company restarted work last week at the fields and facilities operated by Iraq’s state-run North Oil Company (NOC) in Kirkuk. BP had withdrawn its technical teams in March over security concerns stemming from the war.
Rudaw has also learned that efforts are underway to bring in a Turkish company to work alongside BP on the project.
Kirkuk Governor Mohammed Samaan Agha told Rudaw on Sunday the local administration strongly supports the company’s return, saying that they will provide "all the necessary support to BP, because the operations of foreign companies in oil-producing provinces help us achieve economic recovery.”
“During my visit to the British Embassy in Baghdad, I reaffirmed this step. We will work with them, and I will have a meeting with them soon, God willing,” he added.
BP’s long-term contract in Kirkuk spans 20 years. Although the company has been involved in the project for more than a year, its activities have so far focused on consultancy, monitoring, and data collection rather than direct field operations.
In early March, Iraq’s state-run North Oil Company assumed responsibility for operating the Avana, Bay Hasan, Jambour, and Khabbaz oil and gas fields after BP withdrew its staff. Iraqi officials at the time said the move was aimed at preventing disruptions to production and maintaining operations during the company’s absence.
The Kirkuk redevelopment project was officially activated in October under an agreement signed between BP, the North Oil Company, and the North Gas Company. Baghdad has described the initiative as a key component of its strategy to increase oil production, expand gas investment, and attract foreign energy companies.
According to Reuters, BP is expected to invest up to $25 billion over the lifetime of the project.
Oil expert Sirwan Mustafa told Rudaw on Sunday BP’s current focus appears to be increasing production levels, but argued that the company has yet to introduce advanced extraction technology in Kirkuk.
“The best method for oil extraction is called directional drilling - or what we might call guided drilling. It is horizontal; from beneath the soil, it reaches into the oil reservoir and moves in multiple directions,” Mustafa said.
“We don't have that technology or technique here. Does BP possess it? Yes. Have they brought it here? No, they haven't,” he added.
Current production from Kirkuk’s oil fields stands at around 350,000 barrels per day. Under BP’s plans, output is expected to rise to more than 600,000 barrels per day, with long-term ambitions of exceeding one million barrels daily.
Hardi Mohammed contributed to this report from Kirkuk.
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