[statement of 16 February 2023]

As we said last September, we are extremely concerned by the issues raised by the BBC

We are in action. Working with the partners at Rumaila we reviewed the issues raised and how to address them.  ROO continues to make good progress at the Rumaila field – reducing flaring, reducing emissions, and improving support and engagement with local communities.  

• Gas flaring – ROO continues to reduce gas flaring from its operated facilities at Rumaila. This reduced by a further 20% during 2022 – contributing to a reduction of more than 65% over the past seven years. This is a further result of ROO’s multi-year improvement programme. 
• Black smoke – ROO is accelerating its programme of reducing black smoke emissions, prioritising the six facilities it operates that are near local communities. In 2022, work was completed at three locations, and work is already underway at the remaining three operated facilities. This is expected to complete this year. 
• Supporting local communities – ROO continues to engage with local community representatives and prioritise Social Welfare Fund support for community health initiatives. Following a review of procedures for listening and responding to community complaints, ROO has delivered renewed communications and staff training and is encouraging both reinstatement of community committees and greater inclusion for women. 

...

[Statement of 29 September 2022]

We are extremely concerned by the issues raised by the BBC. We immediately engaged our partners and are working to understand those concerns in great detail. Together, we will take urgent action on any necessary interventions

The BBC and Greenpeace Unearthed contacted bp directly and we provided the following statement in response to a series of questions they asked.

Rumaila is Iraq’s largest oilfield and plays an essential role in the country’s economy. After years of conflict and under-investment, the field required extensive repair and modernisation. bp and partners – state-owned Basra Oil Company, PetroChina and Iraq’s Oil Marketing Company – have worked to support the rehabilitation and operation of the field...

Wherever we work, we aim to support safe, responsible and reliable operations, bringing our experience and technology to help deliver improvements. Despite the progress that has been made at Rumaila, we know there is much still to do.

We are extremely concerned by the issues raised by the BBC − we will immediately review those concerns and work with our partners on any necessary interventions. We are fully committed to supporting further improvements at this vitally important field for Iraq...