Saudi Aramco to Develop Iraqi Gas Field

Ministers and officials from both Saudi Arabia and Iraq gather at the “Saudi-Iraqi Economic Forum” held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Ministers and officials from both Saudi Arabia and Iraq gather at the “Saudi-Iraqi Economic Forum” held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Aramco to Develop Iraqi Gas Field

Ministers and officials from both Saudi Arabia and Iraq gather at the “Saudi-Iraqi Economic Forum” held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Ministers and officials from both Saudi Arabia and Iraq gather at the “Saudi-Iraqi Economic Forum” held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi oil giant Aramco will develop a gas field in Iraq that could produce more than 400 million cubic feet of gas per day, Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani said on Thursday.

Presently, this field yields 60 million cubic feet of gas, but it is projected to substantially increase its production to over 400 million cubic feet. This surge in output aims to provide Iraq’s national grid with an ample supply of gas required for electricity generation.

Abdel-Ghani revealed that two rounds of licenses have been granted for investment and development purposes in numerous exploration fields situated in both the eastern and western regions of Iraq.

These areas boast significant reserves of natural gas.

Moreover, the minister expressed his keen desire for the involvement of Saudi companies in the advancement of these fields, with the ultimate goal of generating the required gas for electricity production and fulfilling the local demand for this valuable resource.

A recent meeting encompassed several agreements pertaining to energy-related matters, with a prominent focus on the agreement with Saudi Arabia to supply Iraq with up to 1000 megawatts of electrical energy.

Additionally, Saudi companies will undertake the construction of solar power plants in Iraq’s Najaf province. This solar power plant is set to become the largest of its kind in Iraq.

Abdel-Ghani also clarified that an agreement has been reached with Saudi Arabia to establish industrial cities along the shared borders of both countries.

This initiative aims to foster the development of industry and trade for both nations.

Furthermore, discussions were held regarding the Nebras Project, which is one of the largest petrochemical projects in Iraq and the region.

 



Gold Rebounds to End 6-Session Losing Streak as Dollar Rally Pauses

A view shows ingots of 99.99 percent pure gold in a workroom during production at Krastsvetmet precious metals plant in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, May 23, 2024. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk
A view shows ingots of 99.99 percent pure gold in a workroom during production at Krastsvetmet precious metals plant in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, May 23, 2024. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk
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Gold Rebounds to End 6-Session Losing Streak as Dollar Rally Pauses

A view shows ingots of 99.99 percent pure gold in a workroom during production at Krastsvetmet precious metals plant in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, May 23, 2024. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk
A view shows ingots of 99.99 percent pure gold in a workroom during production at Krastsvetmet precious metals plant in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, May 23, 2024. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk

Gold prices rebounded on Monday, having posted losses in the previous six sessions, with gains driven by a pause in the dollar's rally, while investors await comments from the Federal Reserve officials for clarity on the interest rate trajectory.
Spot gold rose 1% to $2,587.83 per ounce by 0917 GMT, moving away from a two-month low hit on Thursday. US gold futures were up 0.9% at $2,592.20.
Gold prices last week saw their biggest weekly decline in over three years as expectations of less-aggressive interest rate cuts by the Fed boosted the dollar.
However, the dollar was holding flat below Thursday's one-year high after rising 1.6% last week. A softer dollar makes bullion less expensive for buyers holding other currencies, Reuters said.
"We can look to the dollar for a significant part of the current gold price corrections ... I'm not saying you've found a solid physical floor yet, but clearly, some opportunistic buying is coming in to support the market as well," independent analyst Ross Norman said.
"As the year ends, we will see volatility in gold prices and there'll be some books clearing and profit-taking, regardless of what the Fed does in December."
Recent US economic data has reduced expectations for a December rate cut by the Fed. At least seven US central bank officials are due to speak this week.
Higher interest rates make holding gold, which doesn't pay any interest, less attractive.
"President Trump's inauguration is likely to see an ongoing strengthening of the USD (US dollar), which is negative for gold in the short to medium term. However, as his stated policies are likely to be significantly inflationary in the long term, this will benefit gold," said Michael Langford, chief investment officer at Scorpion Minerals.
Spot silver rose 1.4% to $30.63 per ounce, platinum added 1.4% at $951.59 and palladium climbed 1.8% to $967.62.