Iran surpasses Iraq in gas flaring to become world number two

Iran has overtaken Iraq in 2023 to become the world's second largest gas flaring emitter after Russia, reveals a World Bank report.

Share:

Torchage gaz mondial Iran

According to the World Bank’s latest gas flaring report, published in June 2023, the total volume of gas flared rose by 7% to 148 billion cubic meters, the highest level since 2019. This increase comes after a period of decline in 2022, highlighting persistent challenges in the global reduction of this harmful practice.

Significant increase in Iran

Iran has recorded a notable 19% increase in the volume of gas flared in 2023, reaching 20.4 billion cubic meters. This increase is of particular concern as it coincides with an increase in oil production in the country, resulting in an 8% jump in flaring intensity, the highest since satellite estimates began in 2012. The World Bank points to a lack of investment in infrastructure and gas utilization as key factors behind this increase.

Regional Comparison and Reduction Efforts

In the rest of the Middle East and North Africa region, the situation varies significantly. For example, Saudi Arabia recorded a 31% increase in its flaring volume, despite slightly reduced oil production due to OPEC+ commitments. Conversely, Iraq slightly reduced its gas flaring by 1% despite an increase in oil production, thanks to recent agreements with US companies to reduce flaring. Egypt, Oman and Algeria also recorded declines in their gas flaring volumes, with Oman in particular reporting a steady decrease for the fourth year running, thanks to proactive reduction initiatives led by Petroleum Development Oman.

Future implications and prospects

The increase in flaring intensity in Iran and other countries in the region underscores the critical need for investment in flared gas reduction technologies and in infrastructure enabling better use of natural gas. These investments are essential not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also to optimize the energy value of natural resources. International cooperation and technological innovation will play a key role in resolving these energy and environmental challenges.
While gas flaring remains a major challenge for oil-producing countries, regional variations in flaring volume and intensity reflect differences in national policies and the effectiveness of reduction initiatives. A focus on investment and cutting-edge technologies is crucial to mitigating these practices and improving the environmental sustainability of oil operations.

Petro-Victory Energy announces the completion of drilling operations for the AND-5 well in the Andorinha field, Brazil, with positive reservoir results and next steps for production.
The Colombian prosecutor’s office has seized two offices belonging to the oil company Perenco in Bogotá. The company is accused of financing the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) in exchange for security services between 1997 and 2005.
Indonesia has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States to increase its energy imports. This deal, involving Pertamina, aims to diversify the country's energy supply sources.
VAALCO Energy continues to operate the Baobab field by renovating its floating platform, despite modest production. This strategy aims to maintain stable profitability at low cost.
An empty reservoir exploded at a Lukoil-Perm oil facility in Russia, causing no injuries according to initial assessments pointing to a chemical reaction with oxygen as the cause of the accident.
The British Lindsey refinery has resumed fuel deliveries after reaching a temporary agreement to continue operations, while the future of this strategic site remains under insolvency proceedings.
BP and Shell intensify their commitments in Libya with new agreements aimed at revitalizing major oil field production, amid persistent instability but rising output in recent months.
The private OCP pipeline has resumed operations in Ecuador following an interruption caused by heavy rains, while the main SOTE pipeline remains shut down, continuing to impact oil exports from the South American country.
McDermott secures contract worth up to $50 million with BRAVA Energia to install subsea equipment on the Papa-Terra and Atlanta oil fields off the Brazilian coast.
Saudi Aramco increases its oil prices for Asia beyond initial expectations, reflecting strategic adjustments related to OPEC+ production and regional geopolitical uncertainties, with potential implications for Asian markets.
A bulk carrier operated by a Greek company sailing under a Liberian flag suffered a coordinated attack involving small arms and explosive drones, prompting an Israeli military response against Yemen's Houthis.
The Canadian government is now awaiting a concrete private-sector proposal to develop a new oil pipeline connecting Alberta to the Pacific coast, following recent legislation intended to expedite energy projects.
Petrobras is exploring various strategies for its Polo Bahia oil hub, including potentially selling it, as current profitability is challenged by oil prices around $65 per barrel.
Brazilian producer Azevedo & Travassos will issue new shares to buy Petro-Victory and its forty-nine concessions, consolidating its onshore presence while taking on net debt of about USD39.5mn.
Major oil producers accelerate their return to the market, raising their August quotas more sharply than initially expected, prompting questions about future market balances.
Lindsey refinery could halt operations within three weeks due to limited crude oil reserves, according to a recent analysis by energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie, highlighting an immediate slowdown in production.
The flow of crude between the Hamada field and the Zawiya refinery has resumed after emergency repairs, illustrating the mounting pressure on Libya’s ageing pipeline network that threatens the stability of domestic supply.
Libreville is intensifying the promotion of deep-water blocks, still seventy-two % unexplored, to offset the two hundred thousand barrels-per-day production drop recorded last year, according to GlobalData.
The African Export-Import Bank extends the Nigerian oil company’s facility, providing room to accelerate drilling and modernisation by 2029 as international lenders scale back hydrocarbon exposure.
Petronas begins a three-well exploratory drilling campaign offshore Suriname, deploying a Noble rig after securing an environmental permit and closely collaborating with state-owned company Staatsolie.