Dana Gas Denies Reports That Iraqi PM Sought to Delay Resumption of Khor Mor Production

Peregraf - Dana Gas, the UAE-based energy company operating the Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan Region, has denied reports claiming that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani had requested the company not to restart gas production following the latest attack on the facility on November 26, 2025.

The American news outlet Al-Monitor reported that al-Sudani allegedly urged Dana Gas to keep production halted until security investigations into the most recent strike on Khor Mor were completed. According to the outlet, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) opposed such a delay due to mounting public pressure stemming from severe electricity shortages.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Dana Gas dismissed the report as “false and baseless,” insisting that the Iraqi Prime Minister had, in fact, encouraged the swift resumption of production. “The Iraqi Prime Minister clearly expressed his desire for gas production to resume as soon as possible,” the company said. Dana Gas added that it specifically thanked al-Sudani and his office for their “support and quick response."

A Targeted Energy Lifeline 

The clarification comes amid escalating security concerns surrounding the Khor Mor field, which has been struck repeatedly over the past two years. The latest attack—part of a series totaling eleven strikes on the site—temporarily halted gas production and triggered widespread electricity outages across the Kurdistan Region and parts of Iraq.

The Khor Mor field is one of the most strategically significant energy sites in the Kurdistan Region. Operated by Dana Gas and its affiliate Crescent Petroleum, it supplies natural gas to major power stations in Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok. Any interruption in production has immediate consequences for electricity generation, affecting millions of residents and placing heavy political and economic pressure on both the KRG and Baghdad.

Security officials say the repeated attacks—carried out using rockets or explosive-laden drones—aim to destabilize the Kurdistan Region’s energy sector and undermine investor confidence. The latest strike forced the shutdown of the field for several days until gas flow was restored early Sunday.

KRG Pushed for Rapid Restart

Sources in the Kurdistan Region say the KRG pressed for an urgent restart due to intense public frustration over extended blackouts. The Region relies on Khor Mor gas as the backbone of its electricity supply, making prolonged shutdowns politically risky.

The resumption of work at Khor Mor followed renewed cooperation between the KRG and Iraqi federal authorities, who have publicly promised to hold the perpetrators accountable and enhance protection of the site.