VOL. XLVI

No 6

10-February-2003

IRAQ

Kirkuk Production Encounters Major Quality Problems

The quality of Kirkuk crude oil has deteriorated significantly over the past few months, reflected in lower gravity, more sulfur and increasing volumes of water, MEES understands from industry sources. Historically, the gravity of Kirkuk crude averaged around 36º API. However, the average last year declined to 34-34.5º API, and the quality declined even further last month to 32.89º API. Furthermore, the...