Kurdistan Gas Deal ‘Will Exceed Local Needs,’ Stabilize Iraq’s Power Grid: Iraqi MP
"The energy contracts signed between the KRG and the United States are extremely important and will result in the provision of more gas than we currently need—particularly for the electricity sector," Sobhi stated.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A landmark energy agreement between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the United States will provide gas supplies far exceeding domestic needs in the Kurdistan Region and could significantly stabilize Iraq’s power grid, according to Iraqi Member of Parliament Sabah Sobhi.
Sobhi, a member of the Oil and Gas Committee in the Iraqi Parliament, made the remarks in a statement to the official website of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). He urged Baghdad’s Federal Ministry of Oil to support, rather than oppose, the agreement, emphasizing its far-reaching benefits for all Iraqis.
"The energy contracts signed between the KRG and the United States are extremely important and will result in the provision of more gas than we currently need—particularly for the electricity sector," Sobhi stated. "At present, we’re supplying less than half of our actual electricity demand, but with these agreements, the supply will exceed local needs, effectively solving the crisis."
Despite the Iraqi Oil Ministry’s immediate rejection of the deal, Sobhi insisted that the contracts are both legal and constitutional. He explained that the companies involved have operated in the Kurdistan Region for over 15 years and are slated to work across three critical gas fields—Khor Mor, Topkhana, and Miran—as well as in seven additional fields.
“These projects are particularly crucial as we approach summer, when demand for electricity and domestic gas spikes,” he explained. “The benefits will not be limited to the Kurdistan Region but will extend to Iraq as a whole.”
Sobhi emphasized that international companies conducted legal assessments prior to signing, affirming their commitment to operating within Iraq’s legal frameworks.
“These are international firms that would not enter into agreements that violate legal or constitutional norms,” he said. “This agreement will contribute to the stability of the Kurdistan Region.”
He also highlighted the vast untapped potential of the Region’s gas reserves: “Kurdistan holds about 200 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, yet we’re currently utilizing only around 13 trillion. This deal is a crucial step forward and deserves serious attention.”
The MP sharply criticized the Federal Ministry of Oil’s stance. “The Ministry has issued two statements declaring the agreements illegal and unconstitutional, but this is simply incorrect,” Sobhi said. “We do not have a unified oil and gas law in Iraq, and these contracts are not new—these companies have been working in the Kurdistan Region for the past 15 years.”
He added that the Ministry’s second statement appeared to partially backtrack. “After all, most countries seek partnerships with the U.S., and this is a golden opportunity presented by the Trump administration, which is primarily focused on economic development. We must adapt to global shifts.”
PM Barzani Concludes Official U.S. Visit
Meanwhile, the KRG delegation led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has officially concluded its diplomatic mission to the United States. On Saturday, Safeen Dizayee, Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, shared a statement on the social media platform X alongside a group photo of the delegation:
“A very successful visit to Washington concluded under the leadership of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.”
Dizayee expressed appreciation to “our American friends and partners for their warm welcome and constructive dialogue,” and extended thanks to the KRG Representation in the United States, protocol teams, and media outlets for their support and coordination throughout the visit.
