Dana Gas, a leading petroleum and gas producer based in the United Arab Emirates, has announced that it has suspended all operations at the Khor Mor gas and oil field in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. The precautionary decision has been made in response to “credible threats” to regional security, according to a company statement released yesterday.
The Khor Mor field, situated in the city of Dohuk in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is a significant source of natural gas production for Dana Gas. The company stressed that its main priority lies in ensuring the safety and security of its personnel, as well as the protection of its assets.
“We have taken the measure of suspending operations at Khor Mor in order to protect our personnel, contractors, and assets from potential harm,” a Dana Gas spokesperson stated. “We remain in close communication with the relevant authorities and are committed to resuming production as soon as the security situation permits.”
This decision comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region. Ongoing conflicts and security concerns have been affecting the stability of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region in recent years. The move by Dana Gas is seen as a prudent measure to mitigate risks to the company and its stakeholders.
The move by the UAE-based energy firm may also have broader implications for the regional oil and gas industry. Other companies operating in the area may consider adopting similar measures, taking into account their own personnel and asset safety.
While the statement by Dana Gas did not specify the nature of these “credible threats,” local officials in Kurdistan confirmed that the company had informed them of its decision. They expressed their support for the move, citing the priority placed on regional security.
Representatives at the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) stated that they understand the concerns of Dana Gas and other companies operating in the region. They expressed their commitment to strengthening regional security measures to ensure the continued operation of the oil and gas sector.
Dana Gas’ operations in the Khor Mor field have been a key contributor to the growth of Iraq’s domestic gas supply. The company has also been a significant investor in the region, providing employment and economic benefits to local communities.
The suspension of operations at the Khor Mor field is likely to have a temporary impact on gas production, but the move is seen as a necessary step to address the regional security threats. Once the situation allows for the safe resumption of operations, Dana Gas is expected to continue contributing to the growth of Iraq’s oil and gas sector.
