The Oil Police-Iraq bans private security for oil subcontractors

Arabian Oil and Gas  March 25, 2012

Iraq has taken another step in taking ownership of its oil infrastructure, with the Oil Ministry recently telling companies which provide goods and services to the operators of the oil fields in the south that that private security companies are now forbidden, and subcontractors should instead rely on the country’s Oil Police for protection.

“All the security services related to the drilling contracts of the subcontractors who are contracting with the lead contractors for oil fields development […] should be cancelled and it will never be accepted from now on,” said a memo from the South Oil Company. “The Oil Police will provide the necessary protection.”

The memo goes on to state that the Oil Ministry requires security licences issued to private firms working for subcontractors, including oilfield services companies, be suspended immediately. Operators themselves can still use private security.

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