Iraq Says Oil Prices Above $80 is 'a Positive Indicator'

A policeman is seen at West Qurna-1 oil field, which is operated by ExxonMobil, in Basra, Iraq January 9, 2020. REUTERS/Essam al-Sudani/File Photo
A policeman is seen at West Qurna-1 oil field, which is operated by ExxonMobil, in Basra, Iraq January 9, 2020. REUTERS/Essam al-Sudani/File Photo
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Iraq Says Oil Prices Above $80 is 'a Positive Indicator'

A policeman is seen at West Qurna-1 oil field, which is operated by ExxonMobil, in Basra, Iraq January 9, 2020. REUTERS/Essam al-Sudani/File Photo
A policeman is seen at West Qurna-1 oil field, which is operated by ExxonMobil, in Basra, Iraq January 9, 2020. REUTERS/Essam al-Sudani/File Photo

Iraq's oil ministry spokesman said that an oil price above $80 is "a positive indicator" but needs long-term stability.

The oil ministry cited Asim Jihad on its Telegram channel as also saying that Iraq aims to achieve the highest financial revenues by committing to the OPEC+ agreement.

He added that the challenges of the global oil market are still present due to not fully containing the coronavirus and its variants.

Earlier this month, OPEC+ stuck to its agreement of increasing production by 400,000 bpd a month as it unwinds production cuts.

In the meantime, Minister of Oil Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar “emphasized the importance of working on increasing transparency and sharing information on oil activity between the government and the Kurdistan Regional Government regarding oil activity and the revenues generated from it."

During his meeting with Kurdistan’s Minister of Natural Resources Kamal Atroshi, Abdul-Jabbar emphasized the importance of “working together for an optimal investment of natural and hydrocarbon resources throughout Iraq to support and promote the national economy,” according to a statement issued by the Iraqi oil ministry.

Abdul-Jabbar also said that both sides should work together to invest in clean energy and reduce emissions.

For his part, Atroshi said that Kurdistan and the ministry are willing to cooperate with the federal government to boost cooperation for the sake of developing the oil industry.

Iraq’s Ministry of Oil announced the conclusion of maintenance at the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT), at a time when Basrah Oil Company inaugurated a new ship specialized in dealing with oil leakages.



Oman's Asyad Group Plans to Sell at Least 20% of Shipping Unit Via IPO

Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
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Oman's Asyad Group Plans to Sell at Least 20% of Shipping Unit Via IPO

Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency

Oman's state-owned logistics firm Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering, it said on Wednesday, as part of the country's privatization drive.

The group, owned by Oman's sovereign wealth fund, plans to sell a stake of at least 20% in Asyad Shipping Co and float it on the Muscat stock exchange, it said in document detailing its intention to float.

"The intended listing would provide investors with the opportunity to invest in one of the world's largest diversified maritime shipping companies and a key player in the Omani economy," the company said.

Asyad Shipping focuses on transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil and other products. It lists energy firms BP and Shell as well as trading firm Trafigura among its customers and partners.

The offering will be made in two tranches, with 75% made to eligible investors in Oman and qualified institutional and other foreign investors. Of the 75% tranche, 30% of shares have been earmarked for anchor investors, the firm said.

The remaining 25% will be sold to retail investors in Oman.

The subscription period is expected to start next month, after the company has received regulatory approval.

Asyad Shipping plans to pay dividends semi-annually, beginning in September 2025 for the first six months of this year.

Oman Investment Bank, EFG Hermes, JP Morgan and Jefferies are acting as joint global coordinators. Sohar International is acting as joint global coordinator and as issue manager.
Credit Agricole and Societe Generale are joint bookrunners.