Dana Gas temporarily halts production at Khor Mor field
TL;DR
Dana Gas has temporarily halted production at Iraq's Khor Mor gas field due to escalating military tensions, impacting regional power supply by 2,500–3,000 megawatts. The suspension prioritizes staff safety amid security risks, with operations expected to resume once the situation stabilizes.
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Dana Gas temporarily halts production at Khor Mor field
Dana Gas Temporarily Halts Production at Khor Mor Field Amid Regional Tensions
Operations at the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq's Kurdistan Region have been suspended as a precautionary measure due to escalating military tensions involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel. The UAE-based energy company Dana Gas, operator of the field, halted natural gas exports to power plants in the region to ensure staff safety amid heightened security risks. The Khor Mor field, a critical energy asset supplying fuel to Kurdistan's power infrastructure, is expected to remain offline until the volatile situation stabilizes.
The suspension is projected to reduce electricity generation capacity by 2,500–3,000 megawatts, according to a joint statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Ministries of Electricity and Natural Resources. This represents a significant portion of the region's power supply, forcing authorities to prioritize alternative energy sources to mitigate disruptions for residents. The KRG has emphasized efforts to minimize the impact, though the reduction underscores the region's vulnerability to geopolitical instability.
Dana Gas, the Middle East's largest privately held natural gas producer, operates Khor Mor through the Pearl Petroleum consortium. The field has faced repeated attacks since 2022, including a drone strike in November 2025 that temporarily slashed power availability to five–eight hours per day. Kurdish officials have repeatedly called for enhanced air-defense systems to protect critical infrastructure, with U.S. and Iraqi authorities recently pledging to accelerate protective measures.
The latest shutdown reflects broader risks to energy security in the region, where military escalations continue to disrupt operations. Dana Gas's decision highlights the delicate balance between maintaining production and ensuring worker safety in conflict-affected areas. Updates on the resumption of operations and long-term security arrangements for the field are anticipated in the coming weeks.
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