Iraq announces tenders for Iraq-Iran pipelines, Akkas gas field and testing of Kirkuk and Rumaila

Iraq announced tenders for international oil companies to test two of its largest oil fields, develop a major natural gas field and build a pipeline to Iran, Ben Lando reports for UPI. The four tenders, revealed on the Oil Ministry Web site, are part of the country's larger effort to increase oil production and exports while meeting domestic demand.

Russian President Putin presses Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to revive an old oil deal as the head of Lukoil visits Baghdad, Ahmed Rasheed and Dmitry Zhdannikov report for Reuters. In a letter, Putin wants Iraq to give Lukoil the development deal for the West Qurna oil field. Lukoil held the contract from the late 1990s until 2002 when it was cancelled. Saddam’s government said the company was behind on promised investment, thus violating the deal. Lukoil claims sanctions prevented investment in the 6 billion barrel field.