Feb 26, 2010
Iraq talks with Shell prolonged, continue-official
BAGHDAD, Feb 26 (AP) - Talks between Iraq and Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) on a natural gas deal near the southern oil hub of Basra are taking longer than expected but still ongoing, a senior Iraqi oil official said on Friday.
"The heads of agreement will be extended and the project will be presented to the next government," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.
The Iraqi government has been working to finalize the joint venture between its South Gas Company, Shell and Mitsubishi (8058.T). The deal would capture huge amounts of gas for domestic use or export, which is currently wasted by being flared at the oil fields.
