Despite political pressures and repeated security threats, including drone attacks, the Norwegian oil company DNO has continued to expand its operations in the Kurdistan Region, supported by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
In Erbil, DNO held a conference to present its plans for expanding and increasing oil production in the Region. The event was attended by senior officials, including Hoshiar Zebari, member of the KDP Executive Bureau; Kamal Mohammed, Minister of Natural Resources; Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil; and Safeen Dizayee, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, alongside experts, political figures, and representatives of foreign organizations. The company currently operates several major oil fields, most notably Tawke and Peshkabir.
During the conference, DNO presented detailed data showing a clear rise in production levels, pointing to progress made following the agreement between the Iraqi Federal Government, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and several international oil companies. The figures reflected a period of renewed activity after months of uncertainty in the energy sector.
Speaking at a press conference, DNO Executive Chairman Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani said oil production has increased significantly. “Last month, we were able to produce five million barrels of oil, and our production capacity has grown substantially,” he stated, adding that the company’s facilities meet international standards. “Reaching five million barrels is not just a number; it reflects our long-term commitment and hard work.”
Mossavar-Rahmani acknowledged the challenges the company has faced, including political obstacles and security threats in the wider region. “Despite the difficulties posed by Baghdad and the region, including drone attacks, we continued until we achieved this success,” he said. He noted that DNO plans to bring several new wells into production this year, which could increase output by hundreds of thousands of barrels.
He also expressed appreciation to the Kurdistan Regional Government and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for their continued cooperation and support. According to Mossavar-Rahmani, DNO’s cumulative production has now reached 500 million barrels, and the company plans to drill eight additional oil wells in 2026. “Even with all these obstacles, we did not stop,” he emphasized, “and that is thanks to the steadfast support of the KRG.”
Founded in 1971 and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, DNO is a Norwegian oil and gas company with operations in the Middle East, the North Sea, and West Africa. In addition to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the company operates in Norway, the United Kingdom, Côte d’Ivoire, the Netherlands, and Yemen, holding interests in both onshore and offshore licenses.
