World's Energy

14.02.2008 - [Neftegaz.RU] - Iraq's legal framework is still uncertain, Big Oil firms say, though negotiations on oil and gas deals are ongoing and could wrap up by next month. World oil majors Shell, ExxonMobil, BP and Chevron are in discussions with Iraq's Oil Ministry for special technical support contracts to develop Iraqi energy sector. The technical support contracts would direct expertise, training and equipment from the firms to specific fields from which Iraq wants to boost production. These would be short term, about two years. Bidding rounds for more fields are expected later this year and next. Shell is in talks for the Kirkuk field in Iraq's north as well as fields in southern Missan province. It's also interested in developing the Akkas gas field near the Syrian border and associated gas in the south.