Iraqs oil exports rose by 10,000 bpd in December 2011 to 2.145mn bpd, up from 2.135mn bpd in November, according to new data from the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO).
Exploration & Production
Saudi Aramco to boost oil drilling rig count to 130
Saudi Aramco intends to increase the number of drilling rigs it operates to 130 by Q2 of 2012, according to industry sources.
Honghua wins US$300mn drilling rig contract from NDC
Honghua Group was awarded a contract worth more than US$300mn by National Drilling Company (NDC) to provide drilling rigs suitable for working on islands.
National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and Russias Tatneft agreed a deal worth around US$700mn to develop the Zagheh heavy crude oilfield based in southwest Iran.
OPEC ministers agreed to a new crude production ceiling of 30mn bpd that covers all 12 members, including Libya and Iraq.