Project to Increase Oil Exports Shortly, Oil Minister Says

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Ministry of oil will shortly open important projects to develop the oil sector, Minister of Oil said today, during a meeting with the Chairman of the Higher Islamic Council to review the work and accomplishments to raise oil production and exports.  In a statement by the Council, copy received by IraqiNews.com, that Head of the Council Ammar Al-Hakeem met with the Oil Minister Abdul Kareem Liaibi.  The Minister stated that the meeting reviewed future plans of the ministry to provide oil products to the people, as well as latest developments to increase production in a manner that will enhance Iraqi budget.  He pointed out that the ministry, during the 100-day period, was able to increase production to reach 2.75 million b/d, and oil exports reached during the last four months to 2.165 million b/d.  Liaibi added that the coming days will witness opening important and gigantic projects that will serve the oil sector, including Basrah port project to increase export capacity to 1.6 million b/d at present time to 5 million b/d, as well as the production of Al-Ahdab oil field, in addition to other projects in fields of storage and marketing.  RM (TP)/SR 623