Iraq to Begin Laying Basra Gas Pipeline Network With France's TotalEnergies and China's CPP

Iraq's state owned Company for Oil Projects (SCOP) said on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (21 Mordad 1405), according to Shafaq News, that technical and operational preparations to begin laying the pipeline network for the major gas capture project at the Artawi oilfield in Basra have been completed, with work set to start this August. Abdul Hakim Qadouri, director of the company's South Projects Authority, said a joint meeting with France's TotalEnergies and China Petroleum Pipeline (CPP), attended by representatives of Basra Gas Company, settled the final technical requirements, including pipeline routes and supporting facilities. The project includes 10, 12 and 24 inch pipelines for sweet gas and a 20 inch line for sour gas within the West Qurna 2 block. Its goal is to reduce the flaring of gas produced alongside crude oil, a practice that has simultaneously made Iraq an importer of gas and fuel for its own power stations. The project is part of TotalEnergies' broader Gas Growth Integrated Project in Basra, which also covers oilfield redevelopment, a seawater supply plant and solar power.