Iraq politicians question Shell gas deal transparency

Key members of Iraq’s Parliament, including the chairman of the Oil & Gas Committee, have issued a statement outlining concerns over the efforts of Iraq’s Oil Ministry and Shell to create a joint venture for natural gas, Ahmed Rasheed reports for Reuters.

Sticking points include the no bidding process, a potential virtual monopoly on Iraq’s southern gas and beyond, and the lack of involvement of Parliament and the local governments affected by the deal.