">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Iraq auction terms deter oil firms, BP wins prize
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Iraq auction terms deter oil firms, BP wins prize
Reuters - Wednesday, July 1
By Missy Ryan and Ahmed Rasheed
ADVERTISEMENT
BAGHDAD - A BP-led group won a deal to develop Iraq's biggest oilfield but had to slash its fee as Baghdad's tough terms put off other investors in the country's first major energy auction since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
Other companies, including firms from resource-hungry China and India that are eager to get a share of the world's third largest oil reserves, balked at the fees and Iraq failed to strike deals on the remaining seven oil and gas fields on offer.
The controversial auction of Iraq's prized assets took place on the same day that the U.S. troops who toppled Saddam Hussein quit Iraq's cities and left security chiefly to the country's own forces. The sale aims to raise funds for reconstruction as Iraq also takes greater charge of its economy.
"Today we have seen that the Iraqi Oil Ministry and international oil companies are living on different planets," oil analyst Ruba Husari said.
The results of the auction were not a disappointment, said Oil Ministry spokesman Asim Jihad.
"The participation of these well-known, major companies is a good sign and it reflects the desire of these firms to invest in the Iraqi oil sector," Jihad said.
Iraq's Oil Ministry asked companies to submit revised bids at the end of the auction. Seven did, but they were not made public. The bids would be handed to the Iraqi cabinet for a decision, an official close to the process said.
The sale was billed as the first chance since Iraq nationalised its oil in 1972 for major foreign companies to get a run at the country's hydrocarbon reserves, much of which are untapped. But many Iraqi critics said it was a bad bargain.
Foreign companies servicing the fields will be paid per barrel of oil produced above a certain amount.
BP AND CHINESE GRAB SOLE DEAL
A BP-led consortium including the Chinese National Petroleum Corp , was the only foreign group to strike a deal -- for the 17-billion barrel Rumaila oilfield, Iraq's biggest, in the Shi'ite south.
The deal only went down after an Exxon Mobil-led group rejected the government's proposed fee.
The Oil Ministry failed to find takers for another huge field, Kirkuk, and for the smaller Bai Hassan, Maysan and Zubair fields, after Chinese, Italian, British and U.S.-led consortia rejected its terms. The companies also wanted a much higher fee for each extra barrel produced than it was willing to pay.
No bids were received for Iraq's Mansuriyah gas field and no deal was agreed on the Akkas gas field.
The BP/CNPC alliance had to accept a fee of $2 for every barrel of additional oil produced, compared with $3.99 in its initial offer. It also projected being able to boost output from Rumaila to an ambitious 2.85 million barrels per day, compared to the government's target of 1.75 million barrels per day.
The only group to bid for the Kirkuk oilfield, which lies in a northern region contested by minority Kurds and the Arab-led government in Baghdad, was led by Royal Dutch Shell. Shell wanted to be paid $7.89 per extra barrel of oil while the Iraqi government offered $2 again.
"The expectations of the Iraqi government and the oil companies are mismatched," one oil executive, who asked not to be named, told Reuters.
SECURITY STILL AN ISSUE
Foreign companies working in Iraq will have to contend not only with security risks from a still stubborn insurgency, but also discontent within ruling circles and political uncertainty.
Some Iraqi lawmakers condemn the deals as illegal and even officials in the state-run oil industry have criticised the government for selling Iraq's vast oil wealth short, especially as the country has already invested heavily in the fields.
Years after Saddam's removal was supposed to unleash Iraq's oil potential, the auction marked the first big moment for the Oil Ministry, which is under growing pressure to boost disappointing output of around 2.4 million barrels a day.
Tuesday's tender was a central plank of Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani's aim to boost oil output to 6 million barrels per day in five years. Shahristani said he was pleasantly surprised at how ambitious some of the projections were from oil companies for potential increases to production at the fields.
Iraq has proven oil reserves of 115 billion barrels, but the true amount of hydrocarbons sitting beneath its desolate deserts could be far greater.
The auction, delayed by a day by a sandstorm, was broadcast live from a hotel in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone in a process Iraqi oil officials insisted would be fully transparent.
Later this year, Iraq is due to offer another set of fields that are even more appealing since they are undeveloped.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Related Articles: World
Zelaya vows return to Honduras, defies arrest threatReuters - Wednesday, July 1
UN tells Honduras to reinstate presidentAP - Wednesday, July 1
Jackson set for final journey to Neverland: reportAFP - Wednesday, July 1
RI hospitals adopt process to limit surgical errorAP - Wednesday, July 1
Police: 7 teens shot near Detroit schoolAP - Wednesday, July 1
Most Popular – World
Viewed
'Evil' swindler Madoff jailed for 150 years
Jackson set for final journey to Neverland: report
The daily grind: Sex for a week boosts sperm quality
Questions mount over Jackson animal kingdom
Swine flu fears hit Wimbledon as toll hits 70,000
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Wednesday, 1 July 2009 Iran leader praised amid signs of political purge
Italian train inferno kills 16
Broadband, mobile key to economic growth: World Bank
Airliner crashes off Comoros with 153 aboard
Twenty-six killed in car bomb in Iraq's Kirkuk
Jackson wake eyed at Neverland
Bomb kills 32 in Iraq as U.S. troops leave
| International
|
GM seeks approval to exit bankruptcy as a new company
Indian warships get a breath of fresh air
Qaeda warns France of revenge for burka stance
Beyonce Dedicates Part Of Show To Michael Jackson
The daily grind: Sex for a week boosts sperm quality
Top US commander: Iran still supports Iraq attacks
Michael Jackson Not The Biological Father Of His Kids
China state news agency to air in Europe: official
British economy shrinks fastest in half a century
Pauly Shore Threatens "Bruno" With Lawsuit Over African Baby Adoption Theme
Michael Jackson Left His Father Nothing In His Will
China delays Internet filter: state media
Rights group: Israeli drones killed Gaza civilians
Barak: Too early to declare Israel settlement freeze
| International
|
Ed McMahon Given Standing Ovation At His Memorial Service
The Pirate Bay sold to Swedish gaming group
Diane Keaton Rushed To The Hospital After On-Set Film Injury
Iraqi oil licensing round runs into trouble
Michael Jackson's Personal Doctor Didn't Call Ambulance Because He Didn't Know The House Address
Spain ends probe into Israel's 2002 raid on Gaza
Michael Jackson Owed More Than $300 Million
Three dozen Taliban said killed in Afghanistan
The Cost of Royalty: Britain's Royal Family Cost Increases From Last Year
Diane Keaton Fine After Brief Hospitalization For Blow To Head On Set
British hostages in Iraq 'died from gunshot wounds'
Indonesia premier hopefuls accused on environment
Japan's Emperor to return to Canada after 56 years
Zimbabwe receives $950 mln loan from China
Cisco may take on Microsoft's Office
| Technology
|
China to delay rollout of web-filtering software
Roadside bomb kills soldier in southern Thailand
Amazon, Blue Nile sever Web affiliate programs
| Technology
|
UN chief urges N.Korea to show restraint
DC tax fraud ringleader gets 17 years in prison
AP NewsBreak: SC gov admits additional encounters
Swine flu: Philippine president quarantines self
Roaming phone charges to fall in EU from Wednesday
| Technology
|
Judge: Ono owns copyright to rare Lennon footage
Accused museum shooter still can't come to court
Thai army to provide security at ASEAN summit
Accused Wash. woman: 'dog ate my checks'
Algae in Chinese lake threatens drinking water
AP NewsAlert
US cuts Indonesian debt for forest protection
Administration sends Congress consumer legislation
Colorado sheriff's recruit dies in physical test
China scraps filtering software mandate _ for now
Foreign firms snub Iraq oil industry
Shanghai Airlines agrees to China Eastern merger
China postpones controversial Web filter
AIG selling credit card business in Taiwan
China stock index surges 62.5 pct in first half
Michael Jackson's body to return to Neverland: reports
| Entertainment
|
Koons, with eye for pop, brings Popeye show to UK
| Entertainment
|
Megawati rallies supporters in Indonesia
S.Korea output, investment data lifts rate outlook
Moving van makes delivery to Jackson's Neverland
Disney to boost HK park with $465M expansion
BP and China's CNPC win Iraq oil contract
U2 poised to launch world tour in Barcelona
Avant-garde German choreographer Pina Bausch dies
| Entertainment
|
Jackson's London promoters promise full ticket refunds
Jude Law is set to play Hamlet on B'way this fall
Expert claims to solve riddle of Beethoven's 'Elise'
For some, it did matter if Jackson was black or white
Pirates sell commemorative Michael Jackson DVDs in China
Paleontologists brought to tears, laughter by Creation Museum
EU court thwarts James Bond rights holders in Dr. No case
LA schools chief fumes over `Bruno' school photos
Bomb kills 32 in Iraq as U.S. troops leave
Zelaya vows return to Honduras
| International
|
New US government website tracks IT spending
U2 launch world tour in Barcelona
Iraqis celebrate US pullback but bombing kills 33
Hundreds say final farewell to Farrah Fawcett
France and U.S. join Comoros plane crash search
| International
|
Israeli navy boards activist ship to Gaza
EU travellers to get cheaper mobile phone calls from Wednesday
Top German court suspends ratification of Lisbon Treaty
Bomb kills 32 in Iraq as U.S. troops leave
| International
|
Iran bids to draw line under disputed election
Online video site Joost restructures, changes CEO
All-day party celebrates China web filter delay
| International
|
Israeli navy commandeers Gaza aid boat
Suspected North Korea arms ship changes course
| International
|
Zelaya faces arrest in Honduras as protests rise
Ahmadinejad cancels trip to AU summit
| International
|
Barak: Too early to declare Israel settlement freeze
| International
|
Major attacks in Iraq since Jan. 1
Indonesia's regional leaders attract investors
| International
|
Iraq auction terms deter oil firms, BP wins prize
Clooney sets up at Sony with production company
EPA approves California pollution rule
EU travellers to get cheaper mobile phone calls from Wednesday
All-day party celebrates China web filter delay
| Technology
|
Facts about Sen.-elect Al Franken
French warship rescues stranded family from yacht
GM's CEO grilled at court over "New" company
India sets up regional base for anti-terror troops
North Korea suspect ship has turned around: US official
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 641
U.S. targets North Korea's missile, nuclear activities
Former Texas pastor sentenced in child porn case
Ulysses probe ends 18-year study of heliosphere
China backs away from controversial Internet filter
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,322
Stalemate in Afghan ghost town shows task ahead
Zimbabwe receives $950 mln loan from China
Protesters defy curfews in Indian Kashmir
U.S. targets North Korea missile proliferation network
Japan Inc pessimism drop for first time since 2006
Korea Hot Stocks-Telcos, LG Elec, LG Innotek rise
SKorea's trade surplus surges to record: govt
S.Korea sees exports in recovery phase -official
Michael Jackson gets more bizarre after death
| Entertainment
|
Taiwan dollar at 3-week high on more China opening
O'Neal leads mourners at Farrah Fawcett funeral
| Entertainment
|
S.Korea treasury bonds steady; eyes on data
S.Korea Hana Bank CEO sees Q3 profit after poor H1
Viral video a stealth promo for Robot Chicken
| Entertainment
|
Michael Jackson Suit of Lights glove up for sale
| Entertainment
|
Seoul shares fall after U.S. share loss, data
ABC goes old-media to promote Castle
| Entertainment
|
S.Korea Q2 GDP growth could hit 21-year high
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Aerosmith drummer writes of Hitting Rock Bottom
| Entertainment
|
Family discussing Jackson tribute show: promoter
| Entertainment
|
Michael Jackson "Suit of Lights" glove up for sale
Gravity takes off as ABC series
| Entertainment
|
Jackson family says the singer's will has surfaced
AP NewsAlert
Hung starts big for HBO
| Entertainment
|
Michael Jackson fans dance, cheer his life in NY
Jackson's funeral plans sketchy
U2 open world tour with a bang in Barcelona
Stevie Wonder pays tribute to Michael Jackson
List of top 20 shows in prime-time Nielsen rating
Iran's Karroubi rejects Ahmadinejad vote: website
Death toll from Italian rail disaster rises to 16
Happy 30th birthday, Walkman
Barak says too early to declare Israel settlement freeze
Ahmadinejad's rivals defiant on Iran vote
| International
|
Russia's casinos shut as new law takes effect
Iraqi politicians of all stripes laud U.S. pullout
| International
|
Amnesty slams Russia for rights record in Chechnya
Life in North Korea: lies, potatoes and cable TV
| International
|
Pakistanis turn on Taliban, but resent U.S.: poll
| International
|
Barak links settlement freeze to regional peace drive
| International
|
U.N. team begins inquiry into Bhutto's killing
| International
|
Thousands march in HK for economic relief, democracy
| International
|
Russia bans all gambling and shuts casinos
| International
|
UN chief says climate pact must be finalized
Happy 30th birthday, Walkman
Clooney smokes out new production home at Sony
Israel's Barak downplays US settlement dispute
Tens of thousands march for democracy in Hong Kong
$1.2 billion in debts canceled to help Haiti
Malaysia's Anwar confident opposition will survive
Fiji army chief promises new constitution by 2013
KRouge survivor confronts jail boss on wife's fate
Gates says he wants to soften gay expulsion rules
Australians split biggest-ever lottery win
Microsoft's Bing search wins share from Google
| Technology
|
Source: NKorean ship headed back to north
Bomb blast kills one person in NW Pakistan: police
AP sources: Group sends Sotomayor docs to Senate
Jackson's will to be filed in court Wednesday
N.Korean ship tracked by U.S. Navy reverses course
Israel considering options to promote peace
Claro Cortes, former AP Manila reporter, dies
Democrat Franken wins protracted Minn. Senate race
UN chief says climate pact must be finalized
Sweden's Global Gaming snaps up Pirate Bay
| Technology
|
Thai inflation in June contracts by 4 pct: govt
All Nippon Airways plans capital boost: reports
GM vehicle sales in China soar
China says manufacturing continues to expand
S.Korea President calls for bold coporate investment
NZ employee sentiment less negative in Q2
Jerusalem Palestinians face no-win housing choice
Chinese cheese lover tries to win over Beijing
Indian heritage architecture is 'nobody's baby'
Actor fails to win share of 'Skippy' show profits
AP Exclusive: Insomniac Jackson begged for drug
Farrah Fawcett's life celebrated at LA funeral
Josh Turner announces birth of his second son
Tunisian Astrologist 'Predicted Michael Jackson's Death'
Study Finds Daily Sex Improves Men's Fertility By Producing Quality Sperm
Blackberry Saves Skier From Falling Into Crevasse
Johnny Depp Admits Fascination With Gangsters
George Clooney Latest Victim Of Bogus Actor Death Prank
Nepal Requires Pocketless Uniform On Airport Workers To Stop Bribe-Taking
Britain's Queen Elizabeth Orders Staff To Count Her Swans
Pope: Remains Of St. Paul The Apostle Identified
Arab Princess Is Undercover Cover Cop
Michael Jackson's Body Could Be Displayed In A Glass Coffin
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights